Government Must Get Serious About Tourism

Media Release - issued 4 July 2008
Government Must Get Serious About Tourism

Inbound tour operators support call for next Government to get serious about tourism

The recent call by the Tourism Industry Association for the next Government to take tourism more seriously is fully supported by the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC).

Paul Yeo, Chief Executive of ITOC says “Whoever takes over as Government later this year needs to reassess the economic opportunities offered by tourism and take the logical step of increasing their commitment to New Zealand's largest earner of foreign exchange. Our industry has reached this position despite continuing lethargy on behalf of Government which recently cut the budget available for international tourism marketing by over 2 per cent." 

The Tourism Industry Association earlier this week said that a commitment to growing New Zealand's tourism industry will be a cornerstone of success or failure of the next Government.

"We fully support that line of thinking, however we know the tourism industry has to do a better job of convincing politicians at all levels of national, regional and local government that we are worthy recipients of funding which will provide them with a great return on investment. The various tourism associations representing their individual constituents need to work together more co-operatively to achieve this, a subject that is high on our agenda," said Mr Yeo.

ENDS

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