Drive to attract domestic tourists a positive move

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 September 2012

Drive to attract domestic tourists to Auckland a positive move says Motel Association of NZ

The promotion launched by Auckland’s tourism body, ATEED, to attract more local visitors is to be congratulated, as domestic tourism provides an opportunity to drive real, sustainable economic growth says the Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ).

Too often New Zealand concentrates on chasing the ‘high-spending’ overseas tourist dollar, overlooking the fact that there’s a market of four and a half million kiwis right here, says MANZ Chief Executive Michael Baines.

“It’s great to see our largest city realising the value and potential that is offered by the domestic tourism market,” Mr Baines says. “Auckland is a great destination for a break, a vibrant city with so much to offer complete with a range of beautiful scenery right on its doorstep.

“We Kiwis are lucky enough to live in the most beautiful country in the world. It’s only sensible that as an industry we should be encouraging people to take a holiday at home before they consider stepping on a plane,” Mr Baines says.

Domestic tourists are the lifeblood of motels, with domestic visitors accounting for around 70 per cent of all guest nights.

If more kiwis choose to take holidays in New Zealand it leads to more jobs, greater demand for local goods and services and increased investment in infrastructure by local and central government.

“We’ve seen in the past a very successful campaign from Wellington, now it’s time for other parts of New Zealand to step up and do their bit to help create a thriving domestic tourism sector. If we can do that, then all of New Zealand will be better off,” Mr Baines says.

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