LABOUR’S VISION

Labour is committed to actively pursuing, in partnership with tourism sector stakeholders, the vision for a sustainable tourism future outlined in the NZ Tourism Strategy 2010.

LABOUR’S RECORD

We have:

- Developed the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010, in partnership with sector interests, providing a framework for sustainable tourism development.

- Ensured the private sector is formally consulted on Tourism New Zealand's marketing strategies and is directly involved in nominations to the Board.

- Formed a new Ministry of Tourism

- Established the Tourism Research Council to provide better quality forecasting

- Formed MTAG (the Maori Tourism Advisory Group) and provided $1 million to establish Maori regional tourism organisations.

- Funded a major expansion of the Qualmark quality grading system, and further development of the Visitor Information Network.

- Responded to the post-September 11th decline in Japanese travel by providing $2 million and other support for a joint venture marketing campaign in Japan.

- Provided $12 million for major promotion of New Zealand around the release of the Lord of the Rings movie and the America's Cup regatta.

LABOUR’S PRIORITIES

Secure and conserve a long term future for tourism

- Monitor and manage visitor impacts on the protected environment.

- Support and promote resource efficiency and environmental systems.

- Promote quality, including further development of Qualmark.

- Through the Ministry of Tourism, promote a whole-of-government understanding of tourism as a key driver of economic, regional and cultural development.

Market and manage a world class visitor experience

- Build the New Zealand Brand for promoting New Zealand

- Provide accessible, accurate information through the Visitor Information Network

Work smarter

- Partner with industry and the government's e-Commerce Action team (ECAT) to develop a sector-wide technology strategy.

- Investigate and develop niche tourism markets and products such as cultural and eco tourism.

- Implement the Tourism Research and Development Strategy 2002 to provide the industry with credible and authoritative information.

- Work with local government and the private sector to agree on roles and responsibilities in relation to tourism infrastructure needs.

Assist the development of a sustainable, prosperous and profitable tourism industry

- Actively work with sector interests to optimize yield, seasonality and regional spread.

For the full policy visit www.labour.org.nz or contact Mark Burton at Parliament.

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