Shaping the future of hospitality: Second hospitality summit report released

New Zealand’s hospitality industry has set out thirteen further recommendations for Government and industry action following the 2026 Hospitality Summit.

The recommendations outline a wide range of initiatives to strengthen the future of the sector.

The Summit, hosted by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand (Restaurant Association), was held in March.

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More than 70 industry stakeholders and government officials attended the Summit at Parliament, to discuss a range of issues that matter most to hospitality, including:

• Employment and immigration

• Alcohol policy

• The intersection between tourism and hospitality

• Data, licensing and regulatory compliance

• Skills and training.

The 2026 Summit built on the inaugural 2024 event, where 63 recommendations were made. 21 of those original recommendations have either been completed or are nearing completion, and work remains underway across those priorities that remain outstanding.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Kristy Phillips said the 2026 recommendations report provides a clear roadmap for where the hospitality and accommodation industry believes further progress can be made.

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“The first Hospitality Summit showed what’s possible when our industry and Government work together, sharing perspectives and insights, and we’ve made strong progress on the recommendations that came out of that process.”

“This second report builds on that work, outlining where we’ve taken steps forward while also identifying where longstanding issues remain, and where new challenges have emerged.”

An additional 13 recommendations are outlined in the 2026 Summit report, including placing greater weight on industry experience and career progression in employment-based immigration pathways, and reframing the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

Restaurant Association General Manager Nicola Waldren said the report reflects the priorities raised directly by hospitality businesses and industry representatives.

“These recommendations are practical and focused on creating the conditions hospitality businesses need to invest, grow and create rewarding careers.

“What matters now is continuing to turn that collaboration into changes that operators can see and feel in their day-to-day businesses.”

Hospitality NZ and the Restaurant Association are committed to working with government and other interested parties to put positive changes in motion, said Ms Phillips and Ms Waldren.

“The recommendations cover a broad range of issues, but they’re connected by a common objective: creating a stronger, more productive and sustainable hospitality sector.

“The recommendations reflect the perspective the hospitality industry brings to policy and regulation. We also recognise that some of these recommendations will take some time to progress, especially if legislative change is needed.”

“On both fronts, Hospitality NZ, the Restaurant Association and the broader hospitality sector have a long-term ambition for improving our industry.

“We’re committed to working proactively and productively with government ministers and officials, local councils and key stakeholders to progress these issues as raised.”