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Tourism & Hotels
Tourism plays an important role in New Zealand's economy, with the sector looking forward to significant growth as it recovers from Covid-related restrictions.
Our specialists understand the complexities of the tourism business and have extensive experience providing solutions faced by clients operating throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.
We negotiate and advise on service and management agreements, acquisition and financing issues, and handle the full range of other operational issues. This includes helping owners and operators buy, sell and lease property, prepare governing documents, as well as handling any tax, zoning, construction and environmental concerns.
We also advise clients on the wider issues affecting their business including:
- intellectual property and brand protection liability issues for the sale of food and beverages
- health & safety issues
- liquor licensing and other regulatory issues
- gaming issues
- sales and marketing activity including events, sponsorships and promotions.
We help resolve any disputes that arise, from existing agreements to work-outs of financially distressed properties.
Work Highlights
Real estate acquisitions
We regularly advise local and international businesses on acquisitions within New Zealand. We acted for overseas purchasers of Otahuna Lodge, Canterbury including Overseas Investment Office approval, and the acquisition of the Carlton Hotel by Hong Kong based interests.
Hotel and leisure developments
We regularly advise on new hotel developments and redevelopments. Our major work has included Auckland’s SKYCITY (casino tower and tunnel under Hobson Street), the Waiwera Thermal Resort upgrade, the Carlton Hotel upgrade (including the addition of 100 rooms), the Pauanui Lake Resort residential and golf course subdivision development.
We also advised Auckland Council on the upgrade of Auckland Museum and Tauranga City Council on a hotel and conference facility development.
Business establishment
Our work has included advising on a joint venture between American and Māori interests for the acquisition, and subsequent sale, of a chain of hotels in New Zealand.
We also advised on the establishment in New Zealand of Singapore-based Dynasty Hotel Group.
Work in the Pacific
We have advised on the development of several hotel and tourism resorts and residential subdivisions in Fiji including Radisson Denarau Beach Resort, Port Denarau, Golf Terrace Apartments, Sheraton Denarau Villas, the Momi Bay Resort Hotel, and Natadola Bay Resort.
We have also advised on development and drafting operating agreements with Accor under the Sofitel brand, and integrated resort developments at Vulani, Fiji for Hopper Developments.
