TOURISM

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:

o Chinese Market Development

o Cultural Tourism

o USA Campaign

o Leverage funding for New Zealand promotion associated with The Lord of the Rings, Whale Rider and The Last Samurai

o 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.

ENDS

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