Commitment to more funding for tourism welcomed

6 November 2008

Media Release

Labour Party commitment to more funding for tourism welcomed

The Labour Party’s commitment to increase funding for tourism marketing is welcome, Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

The Labour party released its tourism policy earlier today.

“Increased support for tourism, which delivers $8.8 billion in foreign exchange to New Zealand’s economy every year, is vital as we face the challenges of the global financial situation,” Mr Cossar said.

“Increased marketing funding would help boost the multi-billion dollar tourism industry’s contribution to the New Zealand economy at a critical time,” Mr Cossar says.

“The current business climate is definitely not business as usual for our industry. As outlined in the Tourism Industry Election Manifesto, if we don’t act now, it will be harder to maintain the market share New Zealand tourism exports enjoy today.”

Mr Cossar says he agrees with Labour Party tourism spokesperson Damien O’Connor’s statement that increased investment in overseas marketing will help to draw more international visitors to New Zealand and temper the slowed growth in international visitors.

“The proposal of a Tourism Innovation Fund is certainly interesting and TIA would also like to consider this in further detail.”

Mr Cossar also supported the Labour Party’s ongoing commitment to working with the tourism industry to achieve the outcomes of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015. The development of this Strategy was a major achievement for government and industry working together and continues to be widely supported by the sector.

“Both the National and Labour parties have said they will boost funding for tourism if they become New Zealand’s next government. They have recognised that tourism has an important role to play in maintaining New Zealand’s position in an increasingly volatile global business environment.

“The tourism industry is finally getting the recognition it deserves as one of New Zealand’s bedrock industry’s which features in every town and city of New Zealand.”

“These commitments are good news for tourism operators around New Zealand. The only question now is how much funding and what level of commitment and recognition each party will actually be prepared to make,” Mr Cossar said.

“TIA is keen to hear more detail from both major political parties in the next few days about exactly how and when they will increase funding and support for tourism if they are New Zealand’s next government.”

Top priorities in the Tourism Industry Election Manifesto
The tourism industry is calling for the incoming government to:

Recognise tourism as a bedrock of New Zealand’s economy - Establish a Tourism Industry Taskforce to drive a whole-of-government approach to issues affecting the industry and ensure the tourism portfolio is managed by a top ranking Minister.
 
Market Destination New Zealand - Increase public sector investment for targeted offshore promotions to markets of strategic importance to New Zealand and for improved marketing efforts in the domestic market.

Invest in vital infrastructure - Invest in a national convention centre, cruise ship port facilities and other infrastructure improvements required to reduce seasonality and increase spending from visitors to New Zealand.

Improve New Zealand’s environmental performance - Enhance New Zealand’s environmental performance and the capabilities of its tourism industry to deliver on the 100% Pure New Zealand brand promise.

Invest in training and work skills initiatives - Ensure New Zealand’s tourism businesses have the people they need to do business and to deliver a high quality visitor experience.

Boost the return from major events - Maximise the return to New Zealand of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and other major event opportunities.

Read the Tourism Industry Election Manifesto at www.tianz.org.nz

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