Tourism industry welcomes new Ministers

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) is delighted Prime Minister John Key is continuing as Tourism Minister this term.

“Having the Prime Minister as Tourism Minister has not only boosted the profile of the sector, but has also led to real gains, like the extra government investment in international marketing,” TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

“The tourism role is also a natural fit with Mr Key’s prime ministerial role as it provides fantastic opportunities for him to promote New Zealand when he travels internationally.”

Having the Prime Minister as Tourism Minister is a key action in TIA’s Tourism Future Statement 2011-14 www.tianz.org.nz/nztourismfuture which highlights the industry’s priorities for the incoming Government. This recognises that the visitor industry plays an important part in creating wealth and delivering economic gains for New Zealand.

TIA is also welcoming the appointment of Napier MP Chris Tremain as the Associate Tourism Minister. Mr Tremain has family business interests in Hawke’s Bay firm Tremain Travel, so is familiar with the travel and tourism sector.

TIA will meet Mr Tremain in the next few weeks to brief him on the state of the tourism industry and strategic priorities for the sector over the next three years, Mr Cossar says.

TIA also looks forward to continuing the strong working relationship it has built with Conservation and Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson, he says. Both portfolios are critical to the tourism sector.

“We will be keen to meet new Immigration Minister Nathan Guy as soon as possible, to brief him on the importance to tourism of effective and efficient immigration processes,” Mr Cossar says.

“Another key appointment is Steven Joyce to the Economic Development portfolio. Mr Joyce was formerly involved in the tourism sector and having him in this pivotal role will be a huge boon to build on the gains achieved in the last three years and deliver value to the New Zealand economy.”

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