#
#
#

Tourism (2005) 

 

LABOUR'S VISION

Tourism is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy with annual export earnings of $7.4 billion.

It supports one in ten jobs in New Zealand or 102,700 full-time equivalent jobs.  International visitor arrivals for 2004 exceeded 2.25 million, an increase of 46 % since 1999. Visitor spending increased 78% over the same period, to reach $6.5 billion.

Labour in government will continue to work in partnership with the tourism industry stakeholders to:

  • Secure a long-term, sustainable, future for tourism through the implementation of the NZ Tourism Strategy 2010;
  • Market and manage a world-class, inbound and domestic, visitor experience;
  • Work smarter;
  • Promote and assist the development of a sustainable, prosperous and profitable industry that works smarter.

 

LABOUR'S RECORD

The Labour led government has:

  • Established the Ministry of Tourism from the Office of Tourism and Sport, to enhance the whole-of-government approach to tourism policy;
  • Developed the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010, in partnership with sector interests, which provides a framework for sustainable tourism development;
  • Established and funded the Tourism Research Council to produce research information that will enable better quality forecasting for tourism operators;
  • Established post-graduate research scholarships for applied research in Tourism;
  • Provided significant funding for a major expansion of the Qualmark quality grading system for tourism businesses;
  • Provided specific project funding to support:
    • to Chinese Market Development,
    • Cultural Tourism,
    • USA Campaign,
    • Leverage funding for New Zealand promotion associated with The Lord of the Rings, Whale Rider and The Last Samurai,
    • Development of the Visitor Information Network;
  • Funded tourism infrastructure projects through the Tourism Facilities Development Grant Programme and the $11million Tourism Demand Subsidy Scheme.

 

LABOUR’S PRIORITIES

Secure the long-term future through the NZ tourism strategy 2010

 

Labour will work with industry to:

  • Undertake a stock take on the tourism strategy implementation progress and refocus priorities;
  • Continue to develop the high quality authentic visitor experience reflecting the artistic and cultural wealth and diversity of New Zealand;
  • Expand the opportunities for international and domestic visitors to experience the diversity of New Zealand's regions;
  • Work with the Department of Conservation to monitor and manage visitor impacts on the protected environment;
  • Develop and promote resource efficiency initiatives and environmental systems to meet international standards;
  • Extend support for Mäori Regional Tourism Organisations and their partnerships with Regional Tourism Organisations;
  • Support and facilitate opportunities for national and international marketing of Maori in tourism;
  • Promote a whole-of-government awareness and understanding of tourism as a key driver of economic, regional and cultural development.

 

Market and manage a world class visitor experience

Labour will:

  • Support and promote quality in the tourism industry, including the further development of the Qualmark quality rating system;
  • Continue to build the world class New Zealand Brand for promoting New Zealand as a leading tourism destination in our offshore markets;
  • Support and promote the provision of accessible, accurate information for visitors through the Visitor Information Network;
  • Work with the industry to build quality employment opportunities including training and career development.

Work smarter

Labour will:

  • Support the depth and effectiveness work programme of the Tourism Research Council established by the Labour led government in 2000;
  • Build the post-graduate research scholarship scheme established by the Labour-led government in 2004, in collaboration with industry partners;
  • Assist local and regional facilities development initiatives through the Tourism Facilities Grants programme;
  • Work with local government and the private sector to agree on priorities, responsibilities and resources in relation to tourism infrastructure needs.

 


Promote and assist the development of a sustainable, prosperous and profitable industry

Labour will:

  • Engage with sector interests to maximise yield, seasonal and regional spread and foster domestic tourism development;
  • Evaluate and further develop the Tourism Demand Subsidy Scheme, providing infrastructure funding to small communities with high tourism flow;
  • Work to build links with Industry Training, including with the Modern Apprenticeships programme, to ensure quality initial and on going training is provided and qualifications gained are properly recognised.
#
#

YOUR NEWS

YOUR MPs

Find your electorate +