Keep tourism at the forefront of local development

26 October 2004

Keep tourism at the forefront of local development

A new briefing on tourism to incoming local government representatives will leave no doubt about the economic and social role the country’s leading export sector plays in local communities.

On her first day in the job, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ), Fiona Luhrs says her team will be promoting the booklet Tourism - Growing New Zealand through local government at every opportunity.

TIANZ is sending the briefing booklet to each incoming local government representative and is making presentations at a range of meetings and local government briefing opportunities over the coming weeks and months.

“Promoting the key role tourism plays in regional economies is critical to the ongoing success of tourism. Decisions made at the local level impact on planning, infrastructure, business development and capacity. Without co-ordinated planning both within and across regions the country will struggle to meet the demands of increasing visitor numbers. You don’t plan to fail - you fail to plan!

“Elected representatives and council officers play a vital role in recognising and developing policies that reflect community and industry interests. TIANZ is committed to making sure the country’s regions and local councils understand the dynamics of tourism,” she says.

ENDS

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