NZ Tourism Prepares For Big Role In Future

For Immediate Release 6 November 2000

New Zealand Tourism Prepares For Big Role In Future

The Chairman of the recently formed New Zealand Tourism Strategy Group (NZTSG) and Managing Director of Sky City, Evan Davies, announced today that Cap Gemini Ernst and Young have been appointed project managers for the Strategy project.

"The Directors of the NZTSG, along with the project management team from Cap Gemini Ernst and Young are committed to working with government and industry to develop an industry-led plan for change. This will ensure that we remain competitive with other destinations around the world and continue to add to the economic wealth and range of jobs that tourism creates. We will also focus on managing the sustainability of the tourism industry through to 2010, and beyond."

Mr Davies said the NZ Tourism Strategy Project, which commenced in late August 2000, is expected to be completed by late March 2001. The project is now fully underway with the appointment of the project managers and the signoff of the timetable and process. He says communicating with the tourism industry, government agencies and industry stakeholders will be important.

"It is very important for us to ensure ongoing communication with the industry and industry stakeholders so that they can check progress and know when and how they can participate in the project. We are putting in place a number of mechanisms, including a web-site (www.nztourismstrategy.org.nz) to ensure that all interested parties have a chance to have their say," Mr Davies said.

Sarah Prentice, Vice President of Cap Gemini Ernst and Young said the consultancy was delighted to be working with the NZTSG.

"We are excited about working with the tourism industry on this project and are looking forward to the development of a strategy that assists the tourism industry's continued growth." Mr Davies said that with major strategic reviews occurring in New Zealand's other export sectors and the government involved in initiatives like last week's E-Commerce Summit, the tourism industry had to play its part in charting New Zealand's economic future.

"Tourism is already a cornerstone of the New Zealand economy and it has enormous growth potential. We must focus on managing that growth in a way that is sensitive to our environment and culture, while improving the contribution of the industry based on smart use of technology and good year round utilisation of visitor infrastructure across the regions of New Zealand," Mr Davies said.

ENDS

More information:

Evan Davies, Chairman, New Zealand Tourism Strategy Group 09 363 6132 Sarah Prentice, Vice President, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young 025 899 167

New Zealand Tourism Strategy - Background Notes for Editors

Background The New Zealand Tourism Strategy is a major joint initiative, announced in June by the Minister of Tourism and the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand (TIANZ), between the tourism industry and government to develop a national tourism strategy. The strategy will build on work undertaken by the Tourism Industry Association in developing "Tourism 2010 A Strategy for NZ Tourism - Industry Discussion Document". The New Zealand Tourism Strategy Group was established to oversee the project and includes Evan Davies (Chairman), Geoff Burns (Air New Zealand), Glenys Coughlan (Tourism Industry Association), George Hickton (Tourism New Zealand), Ngatata Love (Te Puni Kokiri), Kerry Marshall (Local Government), Mike Noon (Office of Tourism and Sport), Brian Roberts (Destination Northland), Wally Stone (Whale Watch) and Hugh Logan (Department of Conservation). Cap Gemini Ernst & Young is one of the largest management and IT consulting firms in the world. The company offers management and IT consulting services, systems integration, and technology development, design and outsourcing capabilities on a global scale to help traditional businesses and "dot companies" continue to implement growth strategies and leverage technology in the new economy. The organisation employs more than 56,000 people world-wide and reports global revenues of 7.7 billion euros (1999 pro forma). More information about individual service lines, offices and research is available at www.asiapacific.cgey.com

Planned Output: The Strategy.

The strategy will comprise: a high level strategy, detailed strategic documents for different audiences (e.g. public and private sectors, Maori) detailed strategic documents for different functional areas (e.g. technology, investment, training, marketing, environment, customers and alliances), and a "go-forward" paper identifying the key actions moving forward, timeframes, costs and accountabilities.

Consultation: Key Dates Consultation will occur at three key stages during the project to ensure the generation of industry discussion to form a basis for ongoing consultation and strategy development. The stages are: 1.Presentation of Current State Analysis & Emerging Trends & Issues: November 2000 2.Presentation of Draft Vision, Goals and Scenarios: December 2000 3.Presentation of Strategic Theme Alternatives: February 2001

This consultation will occur in three key ways: 1.Consultation with and between members using the internet and by letter. 2.Some in-depth face to face discussions with individuals, industry groups and stakeholders to help shape the formulation of the strategy; 3.More extensive consultation within the industry and stakeholders to obtain feedback to assist in evaluating strategic options

Public and Private Sector Representation The aim of both private and public involvement is to ensure alignment in the interests and activities of all tourism industry players - government and private sectors - to create collective energy. It is also important for the assignment of roles within the sector to avoid duplication of effort going forward, in implementing a shared vision.

Communication & Transparency to the Industry Communication will be proactively managed throughout the strategy development, with activities including: Industry and stakeholder feedback at key stages. Industry and stakeholder communication (public & private) to ensure regular updates on project status, deliverables and timeframes. Technology assisted communication and consultation via a public project web-site: www. nztourismstrategy.org.nz

Project Management The Tourism Strategy Group has chosen Cap Gemini Ernst & Young to manage the strategy formulation and consultation process and undertake the day-to-day management of the project. Strong project management skills and methodologies, strategy formulation knowledge and skills, experience with the private and public sectors and a good understanding of the tourism industry were the key criteria in their selection.

Simon King MANAGER, GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA RELATIONS TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION NEW ZEALAND Level 4 79 Boulcott Street WELLINGTON NEW ZEALAND PH: 04 494 1845 025 807 252 FAX: 04 4990827

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