Tourism Manifesto
The Tourism Election Manifesto’s six key priorities will keep an emphasis on reaching the $41B target set out in Tourism
2025.
David Perks, Chair of Regional Tourism Organisations New Zealand (RTONZ) commented that “it’s time that tourism is
better recognised as one of the bedrocks of New Zealand’s economy. From a regional tourism perspective, a far greater
investment needs to be made both in money terms and political will to move tourism up the ladder of economic
importance,” he says.
“Getting the workforce right, infrastructure improvement and sustainable tourism were 3 elements identified in the
Manifesto that regions must absolutely focus on to lift the long term health and growth of the industry,” said Mr Perks.
A robust partnership between industry and government is essential to growing the tourism economy and enhancing Brand New
Zealand.
Visitors, both international and domestic, are more discerning and sophisticated in the way they spend their hard earned
tourism dollars. The opportunities for regions lie in bringing new thinking and fresh, innovative ideas and product to
market in a rapidly changing consumer landscape.
“Central Government must be seen as a partner in tourism at the grassroots. It needs to play its part in supporting
tourism, not just through off-shore marketing, but by ensuring that the right policies and structures are put in place
regionally to ease constraints on local industry and Territorial Authorities,” he said.
RTONZ applauds the release of the manifesto, and is fully supportive of the aims and objectives contained in the
document.
ENDS