Political leaders line up for Tourism Summit

Political leaders line up for Tourism Summit

Political leaders from all the major parties, and high calibre speakers from New Zealand and overseas will front up to the 2011 Tourism Summit in Wellington on 13 July.

Organised by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), the Summit will bring together about 200 industry leaders from the country’s tourism businesses and associations, representatives from central and local government, the business and research sectors and other key influencers.

Registrations for the event, to be held at Te Papa, are now open. Go to www.tianz.org.nz/main/Tourism-Summit-2011

TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says with 2011 being an election year, the Tourism Summit will have strong political representation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English and the Leaders of the Labour, Green, Maori and Act Parties.

“Rarely does a conference get a senior line up of politicians like this. It will be a great opportunity for delegates to question the leaders on their plans and policies for the tourism industry,” says Mr Cossar, who adds tourism is New Zealand’s largest foreign exchange earner and an important driver of economic growth.

Keynote speakers include Sir Ray Avery, New Zealander of the Year 2010, Ricki Herbert, All Whites Coach, and Andrew McEvoy, Tourism Australia Managing Director.

Mr Cossar will present delegates with feedback from the road show series TIA ran around the country earlier this year to gather the views of grassroots tourism operators on the state of the industry. Much of this feedback will form the basis of the tourism industry’s 2011 General Election Manifesto.

He says the Tourism Summit will also stimulate high level discussion and debate on strategic issues affecting the industry, and develop potential pathways and solutions to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.

“We will also have a panel of experts lead discussion about the future of tourism, including the impact of recent shocks such as natural disasters and the upheaval in the Middle East.”

Key facts about the Tourism Summit:

•Attendance by political leaders of all the major parties to outline their Election 2011 policies, including questions and answers. Political leaders attending are:

Bill English, Deputy-Prime Minister, Minister of Finance & National Party Deputy Leader Phil Goff, Leader of the Opposition and Labour Party Leader Dr Russel Norman, Green Party Co-Leader Dr Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs and Maori Party Co-Leader Dr Don Brash, ACT Party Leader •Keynote speakers Sir Ray Avery, Ricki Herbert and Andrew McEvoy will offer insights and inspiration from a domestic and international perspective. •A panel discussion with key industry experts to examine the impact of shocks on the industry, including earthquakes, recession and Middle East upheavals. •Global and domestic economic analysis and forecasts from leading economist. •Presentation by TIA CEO Tim Cossar on the findings from TIA’s 2011 road show series around New Zealand. •Launch of The State of The Sector 2011 – a partnership between Lincoln University and TIA.

The Summit is run with the support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Air New Zealand. Registrations are now available atwww.tianz.org.nz/main/Tourism-Summit-2011 Keynote Speaker Bios

Sir Ray Avery, New Zealander of the Year 2010

Inventor of medical devices that save the sight and lives of millions of the world’s poor, Sir Ray Avery was New Zealander of the Year 2010 in recognition of his outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation. A former street kid turned scientist, his low cost, sustainable medical devices, invented in the garage of his Auckland home, are making a difference to millions of the world’s most vulnerable.

Ricki Herbert, All Whites Coach

Ricki Herbert spearheaded the campaign which took the All Whites to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and saw them unbeaten on the field - arguably one of New Zealand sport’s finest moments. Herbert, who is also coach of the Wellington Phoenix, also had a glittering football playing career, including all the matches in the All Whites’ 1981-82 World Cup campaign.

Andrew McEvoy, Tourism Australia Managing Director

Known for his creativity and enthusiasm, Andrew McEvoy heads the agency responsible for marketing destination Australia to the world. Prior to taking up his role with Tourism Australia, he held senior management positions across Australia’s $90 billion tourism sector, including Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

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