Tourism industry prepares for election

Tourism industry prepares for election

Tourism operators will focus on the future of New Zealand’s biggest export industry in a national road show series launched today by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

TIA is inviting tourism operators to discuss the challenges they face, their priorities for the future and potential solutions. They will be asked to identify the key areas for action for the incoming government following this year’s General Election.

TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says the purpose of the road shows is to create a clear direction for the tourism industry in the next three years and beyond, to maximise the opportunities on offer in 2011.

“We want to look at where the industry sees itself in five, ten or even 20 years time. Rugby World Cup 2011 is a major event for the whole industry but we need a plan to capitalise on the opportunities it offers,” Mr Cossar says.
 
“Above all, we want to keep tourism and its contribution to New Zealand’s economy firmly on the government agenda, both during the election campaign and after.”

The last two to three years have been among the most challenging the tourism industry has faced, so it is crucial that the industry is clear about its strategy and direction, and presents a strong, unified message to government, Mr Cossar says.

The roadshows will also provide updates on local and international tourism data and trends drawn from TIA’s Insights work, as well as the latest information about TIA’s work on behalf of members.

The information gathered from the road shows will be further discussed by the chief executives of New Zealand’s biggest tourism operators at an event hosted by Air New Zealand in May, before being reported to industry and political leaders at a top-level Tourism Political Summit to be held in Wellington on 13 July.
 
The industry priorities will form the basis on the 2011 Tourism Industry Election Manifesto which will be launched in the lead-up to the 26 November General Election.

“Our 2008 Tourism Industry Election Manifesto was highly successful in achieving a number of industry goals, including having the tourism portfolio managed by the Prime Minister. We want to continue finding ways to boost the economic performance of tourism in partnership with the government as we head into a new Parliamentary term,” Mr Cossar says.

The roadshows, sponsored by Air New Zealand and AA Tourism, will be held in 10 centres around New Zealand through March and April. For more details, go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/NZ-Tourism-Regl-Leadership-Series

To read the 2008 Tourism Industry Election Manifesto, go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/tourism-industry-manifesto

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