PM needs to grow domestic tourism says Motel Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

14 December 2011

PM needs to grow domestic tourism says Motel Association of NZ

As the Prime Minister starts his second term as Minister of Tourism today one of his main goals should be to grow the domestic tourism sector, says the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ).

“We congratulate Mr Key and welcome his return as Minister of Tourism,” says MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines. “What we would like to see from the National-led government in this term is a package of policies aimed at reminding Kiwis that we live in the best country in the world, so why go overseas to take a holiday?”

With the European debt crisis deepening and another global recession threatening, it would be dangerous to rely on a continuing stream of overseas visitors to keep our tourism sector going over the next few years, Mr Baines warned.

Domestic tourism is coming off a lean period during the Rugby World Cup, with Statistics New Zealand data this week showing a 6.5 percent fall in domestic guest nights in October 2011 compared with 2010. That followed a 12 percent fall for September, as many Kiwis thought the World Cup was not a good time to travel around the country.

“That means we should target 2012 as a year to encourage New Zealanders to fall in love with their country again,” Mr Baines says.

“It’s a big boost to the country and the economy when people spend their holidays in New Zealand and not overseas. It means more Kiwis in jobs, greater demand for local goods and services and increased investment in infrastructure by local and central government,” Mr Baines says.

MANZ is also calling for the incoming Minister of Local Government, Nick Smith and John Banks in his role as Minister for Regulatory Reform and Minister for Small Business to work to cut the increasing pile of red tape faced by Motel-owners.

“In particular we need to address the increasing costs being heaped upon motels by councils in particular, while other competing accommodation providers, such as apartments and B&Bs are exempt,” Mr Baines says.

ENDS

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