MEDIA RELEASE
26 April 2000
Tourism industry will welcome more working holiday visas
The Minister of Immigration's announcement that she is considering letting more people into New Zealand on working
holiday visas will be welcomed by the tourism industry, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand Chief Exe cutive Glenys
Coughlan said today.
"It is really pleasing that the Government realises the significant contribution that those who come here on working
holidays make to the tourism industry and to the economy.
"This joint initiative from the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Immigration to seriously study increasing the
number of working holiday visas is a very positive move. Giving young people a taste of what New Zealand has to offer
will often lead to repeat visits from them though-out their lives.
"As an industry we are very aware of how important repeat business and positive word of mouth is to the tourism
industry.
"The Ministers can be assured of positive support from the tourism industry for their initiative, which will continue to
build on the strong contribution tourism in New Zealand is making to the New Zealand economy," Ms Coughlan said.
ENDS
More information: Simon King 04 494 1845/025 807 252
The Tourism Industry Association represents 3,500 businesses and organisations within the tourism industry Members
include airlines, airport companies, and regional tourism organisations, rental car, coach and taxi companies, inbound
tour operators, travel agents, adventure tourism operators, accommodation providers, tourism attractions, researchers,
training organisations and tourism services providers
Tourism is New Zealand's largest export earner - accounting for 16 % of this country's export earnings The Tourism
Industry Association organises the New Zealand Tourism Conference, TRENZ and the New Zealand Tourism Awards