Latest GDP figures confirm role of tourism

MEDIA RELEASE

www.tianz.org.nz

26 June 2000

Latest GDP figures confirm role of tourism in growth

The latest GDP figures released today confirm the strong role of the tourism industry in New Zealand's economy, Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Chief Executive Glenys Coughlan said today.

"The march quarter figures show a further rise in GDP, with the major contribution coming from the service industries - with increases in this sector clearly buoyed by increased visitor numbers.

"The GDP rises mirror the nine percent increase in visitor arrivals in the year to March 2000, and the increases in visitor spend - up 19 percent to $4.3 billion for the year ended March 2000.

"With the expected good winter season and our continuing low dollar, tourism looks set to again contribute to growing GDP in the service sector," Ms Coughlan said.

"Another factor which we predict will help boost New Zealand tourism further is Australia's introduction of GST.

"This will see Australia's traditional price advantage over New Zealand neutralised, taking away any advantage they have had in markets in which we both compete. It will also make New Zealand more attractive for Australians, for whom it will no longer be 10% cheaper to stay at home" Ms Coughlan said.

ENDS

The Tourism Industry Association represents 3,500 businesses and organisations within the tourism industry Members include airlines, airport companies, and regional tourism organisations, rental car, coach and taxi companies, inbound tour operators, travel agents, adventure tourism operators, accommodation providers, tourism attractions, researchers, training organisations and tourism services providers Tourism is New Zealand's largest export earner - accounting for 16 % of this country's export earnings The Tourism Industry Association organises the New Zealand Tourism Conference, TRENZ and the New Zealand Tourism Awards

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