NZ should look to domestic tourism to lift economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17 February 2012

NZ should look to domestic tourism to lift economy says Motel Association of New Zealand

New Zealand should look to domestic tourism as a means of economic growth amid an increasingly bleak global outlook says the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ).

The downgrade to the Government’s growth forecasts yesterday, caused largely by the continuing turmoil in Europe, means more Kiwis should be encouraged to spend their tourism dollar at home, MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines says.

“Comments from the Finance Minister that events offshore could have a significant negative effect on the economy should serve as a wake-up call that we need to look at as many domestic drivers of growth as possible,” Mr Baines says.

New Zealanders account for about 70 per cent of guest nights in motels, so any reduction in the domestic growth forecast is concern for the industry.

Mr Baines noted that while Statistics New Zealand figures show the number of overseas tourists visiting New Zealand remains strong, they also show more than 2 million Kiwis took short-term trips out of the country during 2011.

“We would like to see a concerted effort from Government and the tourism sector to encourage Kiwis to holiday at home, enjoy what our fantastic country has to offer, and help lift the economy” Mr Baines says.

Encouraging Kiwis to be tourists locally and not overseas leads to more jobs, greater demand for local goods and services and increased investment in infrastructure by local and central government.
“If the global uncertainty triggers another world-wide recession, we will need to ensure that we keep every dollar we can in New Zealand to help us through,” Mr Baines says.

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