Regions to boost partnership with local government

Media Release
26 August 2010

Regions look to boost partnership with local government

Launched today to inform candidates in the upcoming Local Body elections of the value that tourism brings to local economies, Local Government and the Visitor Industry: A Powerful Partnership tells how visitors contribute to the development of strong grassroots economies and sustaining communities throughout New Zealand.

The guide to candidates, a collaborative effort between the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand (TIANZ) and Regional Tourism Organisations New Zealand (RTONZ), seeks to highlight that tourism is a core activity for most councils around New Zealand, and that councils are vital in helping tourism businesses.

RTONZ Chairman Don Gunn says councils are arguably tourism’s most important partner.

“They play a huge role in determining the level and quality of visitor services and infrastructure available, the events that take place and the public money that is invested in destination promotion. This activity helps attract visitors, influences how long they stay and importantly whether visitors recommend the region to friends and family.

The industry is seeking this stronger partnership so that we can work with Local Government to increase this contribution and to build on the already significant economic contribution visitors make to communities”, said Mr Gunn.

Tackling the 5 top priorities of:
Engagement
Investment
Environment
Regional Profile
Regulatory Environment

will be cornerstone actions to achieve this goal and RTONZ and its member regions will work hard to support Local Government in this regard.

Local Government and the Visitor Industry: A Powerful Partnership is a great start towards building that support and increasing economic value right across New Zealand.
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