MEDIA RELEASE
7 November 2017 2017117
For immediate release
.
New Zealand Māori Tourism rolls out the red carpet
New Zealand Māori Tourism is welcoming a high profile Chinese delegation, led by Mr Li Shihong, Vice Chairman China
National Tourism Administration, to Wellington on Friday 17 November.
The Vice Chairman will be officially welcomed at the Wharewaka on Wellington’s waterfront, followed by a ceremony where
NZ Māori Tourism, the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ), and China Travel Service (CTS) NZ Ltd will
announce their partnership and plans to promote the China New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019.
Premiere Li Keqiang announced the China New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019 during his visit to New Zealand in March. The
year provides opportunities to host a series of bilateral, commercial, educational, trade, cultural and tourism events
to showcase the special relationship between China and New Zealand.
NZ Māori Tourism is hosting the conference as part of its strategic partnership with the CCCNZ for a series of
bilateral, commercial and cultural events. They view the relationship as a natural progression given the massive
influence of Chinese visitors in New Zealand’s economy and Premiere Li Keqiang announcing the 2019 China-New Zealand
Year of Tourism during his visit here in March.
“New Zealand Māori Tourism welcomes the opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with CCCNZ and CTS to provide
a centralised platform to market and promote the year-long event to the New Zealand and China public.
“When meeting CNTA Chairman Li Jinzao earlier this year, we made a commitment to work closely together to grow the New
Zealand China tourism industry. The support of the CCCNZ and CTS enhances the work and relationships of both
organisations to ensure events undertaken will produce mutually beneficial results” says Pania Tyson-Nathan, NZ Māori
Tourism Chief Executive.
With 18.9% of all tourist activities being specifically related to Māori experiences, it is important to nurture the
operators to ensure they can meet demand. However, as visitor numbers from China are down just over 2 per cent for the
year to June, both CCCNZ and NZ Māori Tourism recognise that NZ cannot rest on its scenic laurels but need to work
together to create strategic targets that benefit the local economy.
CCCNZ, a local organisation that promotes and supports Chinese owned business in New Zealand has been keen to support
the relationship as part of its aim to highlight high quality ventures that can be trusted. David Wang, Chairman of the
CCCNZ said, ““We have partnered with New Zealand Māori Tourism because their connections to the Māori export sector are
important as Chinese tourists become more discerning”. Both organisations have created special events which will be
announced at the Media Conference to celebrate China-New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019.
NOTE:
• The Media Conference is hosted by New Zealand Māori Tourism and China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ) to be
broadcast offshore by the media travelling with the delegation, with local media invited to attend.
• The official welcome and Media Conference will be held next Friday 17 November 2017, 10:00 to 12:00pm at Wharewaka
Centre, 2 Taranaki Street, Wellington.
• The delegation will fly to Auckland to officiate at the Opening Ceremony on 18 November for the two day “Beautiful Journey Through China” showcase in New Lynn Mall for the general public. China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd. is responsible for bilateral tourism
promotion between NZ and the PRC as the official representative of the China National Tourism Office.
About CNTA, see http://en.cnta.gov.cn/
China National Tourism Administration is theChinese government authority responsible for the development of tourism in the country as a subordinate to the State Council
with its headquarters based in Beijing, supported by overseas and provincial branches. CNTA acts as a ministry and is
also responsible for managing the outflow of tourists from China abroad.