AusLeisure

Tourism Industry Aotearoa will seek meetings with newly appointed New Zealand Tourism Minister Paula Bennett and Associate Minister Nicky Wagner to discuss “big issues” facing the tourism industry in the New Year.

Welcoming the new appointments by incoming New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts stated “we know and acknowledge that there is rising public and industry concern that tourism is growing faster than our ability to cope.

“Without a coordinated response from industry and central and local government, we risk being unable to fully capture the future potential of tourism and protect the long-term sustainability of our industry.

“Tourism funding and infrastructure are the top priorities for the industry as we head into 2017, along with supporting the recovery of Kaikoura and the wider tourism industry in surrounding regions.”

Prime Minister English named Paula Bennett Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State Services, and Minister for Climate Change Issues as well as the new Minister of Tourism, taking on the latter portfolio from outgoing Prime Minister John Key.

In other leisure portfolios, Dr Jonathan Coleman continues in his role as Minister of Health and Minister for Sport and Recreation; Maggie Barry remains as Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and as Minister of Conservation; Nathan Guy continues as Minister for Racing; and Nick Smith remains Minister for the Environment.

Commenting on Minister Bennett’s role, Roberts added “Paula Bennett has ably supported former Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key for the last two years in her role as Associate Tourism Minister.

“We are pleased she is continuing her involvement with the industry as the new Minister.

“The tourism industry has benefited enormously from having Mr Key as Tourism Minister for the last eight years. We are pleased the portfolio is remaining with a highly ranked Cabinet Minister, reflecting the industry’s importance to New Zealand’s economy.”

Total annual tourism revenue has grown from $28 billion to $34.7 billion in just two years.

The TIA expects strong growth to continue over summer and throughout 2017, and that the medium term outlook is very promising.

17th December 2016 - NEW TOOL TO GROW DOMESTIC TOURISM

5th December 2016 - NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JOHN KEY TO STEP DOWN

2nd December 2016 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM LEADERS PROPOSE NEW $130 MILLION TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

22nd October 2015 - PARTNERSHIPS PUSH NEW ZEALAND’S TOURISM PROFILE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.