The Automobile Association announced today that it had decided to consolidate all its touring activities under one
division, to be known as AA Tourism. The Association will combine a wide range of services in this division, ranging
from maps, accommodation and leisure guides, highway reporting, New Zealand atlases and street directories. The move
will also assist it in growing its brand relationships with Tourism New Zealand, Qualmark, Budget Rent a Car, House of
Travel, AA Host and others.
AA Chief Executive Brian Gibbons said today: “This move reflects the Association’s confidence that tourism is a key
growth industry for New Zealand motorists in our upcoming centenary year.”
“The AA is looking to expand its role in mobility services, particularly those involving new technology, with electronic
delivery of information,” said Mr Gibbons. “There are great advantages in consolidating these activities under one
division, particularly so that we can expand the depth of our services of a commercial nature in this area.”
Neville Scarlett, previously General Manager of AA Guides, has been appointed to head the division. Mr Scarlett had
successfully grown AA Guides, and his commercial business skills are particularly appropriate for the new position.
With its centenary due for celebration early next year, and a membership of over 900,000, the Automobile Association is
looking to a number of celebratory and commercial initiatives as part of its commemoration of the hundred years since
its founding.
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