5 December 2003 Media Statement
Tourism conference will bring huge benefits to Taupo

Taupo MP Mark Burton is welcoming the news that the 2004 New Zealand Tourism Conference (NZTC) is coming to Taupo.

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) chose Taupo on the basis of a very strong proposal submission from Destination Lake Taupo, including supporting material from senior members of the community and demonstration of considerable regional support.

In addition, TIANZ noted that Taupo also has an excellent range of accommodation, flexible facilities, and a wide variety of off-site tourism activities.

Mark Burton stressed the benefits of hosting such an important industry event.

“NZTC 2003 attracted 495 people from across the tourism sector. Next August, Taupo can expect to host between 500-550 delegates—an excellent opportunity to showcase our wide range of tourism products, both in the city and around the district. The awarding of this event to Taupo is an excellent illustration of our growing prominence within the industry as one of New Zealand’s premiere destinations.

“The conference culminates with the New Zealand Tourism Awards, an event that celebrates the very best the sector has to offer. The awards recognise the high level of quality, innovation, creativity, and customer service in the New Zealand travel sector, and I’m proud to say that Taupo has featured impressively among the finalists and winners over the years.

“Tourism is extremely important to the New Zealand economy. It is our second biggest export earner, directly or indirectly supports one in ten jobs, and is poised to overtake dairy as our biggest industry in the not-too-distant future.

“The news that Taupo will be hosting the 2004 NZTC is welcome indeed. Both as local MP and as Minister of Tourism, I am pleased and proud that Taupo will be the centre of one of the sector’s biggest annual events,” said Mark Burton.

ENDS

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