Aotearoa wins rights to host 2014 Tourism Conference

For Immediate Release

26 August, 2013

Aotearoa wins rights to host 2014 Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference

Collaboration between key organisations nationally and internationally has been key to Aotearoa New Zealand’s successful bid to host the 2014 Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference (PAITC).

The conference will take place within the Te Arawa tribal rohe (region) Rotorua, the birthplace of tourism in Aotearoa, in April next year. Numerous representatives from more than 15 Asia Pacific countries are expected to attend.

New Zealand Māori Tourism Chief Executive, Pania Tyson-Nathan, says the conference will provide an opportunity to promote the siginificant contribution to tourism by indigenous people

“Maori continuously seek ways to innvovate, identify and share best practise and to engage with indigenous peers and colleagues from other nations. This hui provides a great opportunity to do all of this and more.”

Māori in Tourism Rotorua co-chair, Kiri Atkinson-Crean, says the conference is a significant development not only for Te Arawa and Rotorua, but also wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

“This is an important international conference that will provide a platform to promote New Zealand and Māori tourism.Already, working with PATA on the event has helped raise the profile of New Zealand’s tourism industry and this awareness will grow extensively over the next six months.

“The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world, and PATA is the leading voice and authority on tourism to, from and around this key region. The conference will allow us to reach these markets in a whole new way, driving new potential for our region and wider New Zealand.”

Ms Atkinson-Crean says the event is even more relevant for Rotorua, with its high concentration of Māori tourism experiences.

“New Zealand tourism has its origins in Rotorua. From earliest times, Te Arawa people have shared their natural treasures such as the Pink and White Terraces and the remarkable volcanic landscape with the world.

“We have been welcoming visitors – domestic and international – for more than 180 years and although much has changed over time, the commitment to this legacy of manaaki (hospitality) has not changed – in fact, it continues to grow stronger with the new generations.”

Ms Atkinson-Crean says the focus is now on delivering a successful conference in April – not just for delegates, but to ensure the widest possible benefit for the tourism sector, Te Arawa, Māori, Rotorua and wider New Zealand.

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