Tuesday 30 October 2001

National's Tourism spokesperson John Luxton says Air New Zealand's $100 fare increase for trans Tasman flights will have a big impact on New Zealand's tourism industry.

"Air New Zealand should not be making a quick buck at the expense of New Zealand's tourism industry.

"New Zealand tourism depends on Australia as its largest supply of inbound tourists which will further knock an all ready worried New Zealand tourism industry.

"The events of September 11 are just beginning to bite the tourist market and for the soon to be Government-owned airline to be the first airline to increase prices across the Tasman shows a callous approach to the New Zealand tourism industry.

"Add to this the reported statements of the Minister of Transport that airline passengers are also going to have to pay additional security related costs at New Zealand airports. This action is despite Labour's promises when in Opposition that the taxpayer would meet any added security costs at New Zealand borders.

"These price increases are likely to be followed by price increases from Air New Zealand's subsidiary Freedom Air and Australian owned Qantas further hitting the tourist industry," Mr Luxton said.

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