Tourism survey confirms industry's worst fears

A Tourism Industry Association survey released today should send shivers down the spine of the Labour Government, Opposition Tourism Spokesperson David Carter said today.

The survey indicates that most tourism operators expect the introduction of the ERB will cause employment levels to fall.

"One in 12 New Zealand workers are employed within the tourism and hospitality sectors and the potential for increased employment opportunities in these areas has never been greater. That's especially true for many regional centres, where tourism is seen as the way forward.

"But operators are wary and who can blame them? Many were in business through the 1980's when excessive demands from unions, such as the Hotel, Hospitality Restaurant and Related Trades Union, made their businesses marginal.

"Killing off the growth in employment in the tourism industry would be a tragedy, for the regions and for the country as a whole.

"Last month the British voted New Zealand their favourite long haul destination at the Guardian/Observer Travel Awards.

"We should be capitalising on this sort of recognition, not throwing away opportunities just because the Labour Party made promises to union leaders," David Carter said.

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