Hotel Sector Plays Pivotal Role in Economy

For immediate release

New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference 2007 - May 10 2007

Hotel Sector Plays Pivotal Role in Economy

New Zealand's $NZ3 billion hotel industry, the most significant investor group in tourism, is one of the key platforms for future economic growth of export earnings, employment and investment. The inaugural Hotel Industry Conference on May 10 in Auckland, co-hosted by the New Zealand Hotel Council, Horwath HTL and Simpson Grierson, is the first such dedicated forum to be held in New Zealand.

"Tourism is recognized as one of the country's top economic performers. Key to growth of the hotel sector is building future investment and delivering returns on that investment," says Stephen Hamilton, director, Horwath HTL. "Being aware of the local conditions, restraints and opportunities in which hotels are operating is critical."

"The hotel sector has a strategic role in the broader economy as well as its major involvement in New Zealand tourism," says Mark Oldershaw, chief executive, New Zealand Hotel Council. "We need to address environmental, social and immigration issues as well as topical trends specifically impacting the sector, such as changes in markets, aviation strategies or use of direct and indirect internet sales channels."

"The hotel industry has a leading role in career development and training. Hotel Council members employ over 10,000 employees. Many new initiatives are being undertaken in training and these bode well for the industry. However, seasonal demands and transient staff always place considerable constraints on most of our members," says Mark Oldershaw.

"This inaugural hotel conference is the first time the industry will discuss together future growth strategies to ensure the ongoing success of New Zealand's hotel sector," says Terry Ngan, director Horwath HTL. "The opportunity for the broader community including airlines and inbound wholesalers as well as hotel investors and management to contribute in such a forum assists the wider tourism industry. The factors are relevant for all hotels, from privately owned boutique properties to significant international groups. Growth is a factor which needs to be managed well by the hotel sector for the future of New Zealand's tourism."

The Hotel Industry Conference will be held on May 10th at the Hyatt Hotel, Auckland.

ENDS

Fact Sheet

* Tourism plays a key role in the growth of New Zealand's economy through employment, foreign exchange earnings, investment and regional development. Tourism directly and indirectly contributes almost 10% of New Zealand's GDP.

* Tourism is one of New Zealand's largest export industries, with international visitor expenditure in 2002 of $6.1 billion.

* Ministry of Tourism forecasts predict that in the next five years tourism arrivals will grow annually by 4.4%.

www.tourismresearch.govt.nz

New Zealand Hotel Council

* New Zealand Hotel Council is an Incorporated Society whose members include international chains, independent, privately-owned and boutique hotels throughout the country. Members are responsible for:

* NZ$3 + billion investment

* NZ$1 + billion revenue

* 10,000 employees

www.nzhc.org.nz

Horwath HTL

* Horwath HTL Limited is part of the world's largest Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Consulting network with 50 offices in 30 countries.

* Horwath HTL Limited is a New Zealand professional firm providing specialist consulting services to both public and private clients in the hotel, tourism and leisure industry.

www.htl.horwath.co.nz

Simpson Grierson

* Simpson Grierson is a leading commercial and technology-focused law firm, delivering comprehensive advice including Travel and Tourism.

* www.simpsongrierson.com

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