TNZ welcomes conviction of souvenir companies

For immediate release

13 September

TNZ welcomes conviction of souvenir companies

Tourism New Zealand today welcomed the conviction of four companies and four individuals for breaches of the Fair Trading Act and consequent fines totalling NZD$601,900.

The charges relate to occasions when Asian visitors on group tours were misled regarding the products they purchased from these shops. This is the second tranche of companies being sentenced for similar breaches under the Fair Trading Act.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says the sentencing is good news for the entire industry.

"The delivery of a quality visitor experience is extremely important to everyone in the tourism industry and visitors leaving the country feeling they have been deceived could have a negative impact on this country's reputation.

"TNZ is very pleased to see that the Commerce Commission has acted to hold to account individuals and companies for illegal practices that breach the requirements of the Fair Trading Act.

"This sends a clear message that the NZ government will not tolerate unlawful activities undertaken by New Zealand businesses to exploit international visitors for financial gain."

Read the Commerce Commission press release here.

ENDS

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