13 May, 2003
MEDIA STATEMENT
Government Hits The Right Mark For The Tourism Industry

The announcement by the Hon Mark Burton, Minister of Tourism today that Government will increase its funding through Tourism New Zealand by $15 million over the next three years dedicated to the US market is the best news our industry has had for a long time.

“The US market is immensely important to our industry and Tourism Holdings”, said Dennis Pickup, Managing Director for Tourism Holdings (THL).

“An increased investment right now is ideally timed as we know that the market is ripe for New Zealand but it does need that extra push in order for us to make the most of the opportunity.”

“It has been a long time since Tourism New Zealand has benefited from an increase of funds of this nature and it is equally a testament to the very considered approach and steady state success that Tourism New Zealand has demonstrated over the past few years in the face of a very difficult market environment.”

Following the US market Mr. Pickup indicated that the UK and some markets within Continental Europe and Japan warranted further consideration of additional support.

Mr. Pickup also said that he would hope this investment by Government would add greatly to Air New Zealand’s conviction to bolstering its development of its markets and networks in the USA market and beyond to London

“ We need to be reminded that this investment not only benefits New Zealand’s tourism industry but works to the benefit of all New Zealanders” he said.

ENDS

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