Tourism making huge contribution to NZ – Snedden

Tourism making huge contribution to NZ – Snedden
Tourism is a strong, vibrant industry that will meet and overcome the short-term challenges it is currently facing, new Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Martin Snedden says.

The former Rugby World Cup 2011 chief takes up his new role with TIA today.

“In the last 12 years, tourism export earnings have doubled from $5 billion to almost $10 billion. In the last four years, tourism has twice been New Zealand’s number one export earner,” Mr Snedden says.

“This is an industry where the spend by our domestic travellers and international visitors amounts to a whopping $63 million every day of the year. And it supports the jobs of one in ten New Zealanders.

“This industry is a critical component of New Zealand’s economy. We face plenty of challenges at present, as do most other sectors, but we have proven in the past that we are strong and robust enough to handle difficult conditions.”

Mr Snedden says he was attracted to the tourism industry because of its importance to New Zealand, and because of the many creative and talented people contributing to its success.

Another attraction is its similarity to sport: “it’s a volatile rollercoaster ride that will always be challenging and interesting!”

As the leading advocate for the private sector, TIA has been and will continue to be actively working with its members and decision-makers at every level to help find solutions which will benefit tourism in New Zealand and benefit the country as a whole, he says.

Martin Snedden CNZM
• 2007-2011: Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011) – Chief Executive Officer
• 2001–2007: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) – Chief Executive Officer
• 1990–2001: Snedden & Associates – lawyer & partner
• 1980-1990: New Zealand cricket representative

ENDS

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