New Zealand tourism continues to innovate

Investment in the tourism industry by the New Zealand Government will help it seize international opportunities and grow its contribution to the country's economy, according to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ).

Explaining that investment is vital to keep New Zealand on the radar for international travellers, TIANZ Chairman Norm Thompson stated "New Zealand has some of the most innovative tourism operators in the world and the new Tourism Growth Partnership will help us develop more world-leading ideas and respond to new market opportunities."

TIANZ has worked with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to develop the criteria for the type of projects that could qualify for Tourism Growth Partnership funding.

The Tourism Growth Partnership's focus on boosting innovation and lifting productivity supports the work TIANZ is doing to lead the development of a National Tourism Plan.

Due to be launched at the 2013 TIANZ Summit in Wellington on 1st October, the National Tourism Plan will set targets and provide direction for the tourism industry through to 2025.

Its objective is to generate substantively higher growth with a focus on value, increased private sector investment, improved sector productivity and public sector support, all underpinning a world-class visitor experience.

Thompson adds "we welcome the confidence the Government is showing in the tourism industry. I'm confident that we will be able to repay its investment many times over with significant growth in the $9.6 billion that international visitors currently spend each year and the creation of many more jobs throughout the country."

Tourism is one of New Zealand's biggest export industries, earning $9.6 billion or 15.4% of New Zealand's foreign exchange earnings (year ended March 2012).

For more information go to www.tianz.org.nz

Image: Wellington waterfront.

1st March 2012 - TOURISM EXPORT COUNCIL NAMING TO BETTER REFLECT TOURISM’S VALUE