11 June 2002
Tourism Sector Adds To Growing Business Concern Over Government's Kyoto Stance
"The Government is being arrogant in the extreme in refusing to consider the business sector's justified and very real
concerns about its Kyoto Protocol policy," says National's Finance spokesman David Carter.
"New research by the tourism sector revealing that ratifying the Kyoto Protocol will cost the industry hundreds of
millions a year, shows how out of touch the Government is with business on this issue."
Mr Carter comments come in the wake of tourism industry research, which reveals the Government's decision to ratify
Kyoto will cost the sector $114 million a year. It says the industry would be less competitive because of Kyoto costs -
particularly compared with the US and Australia.
"Instead of ignoring the business sector's valid concerns, Government should be listening to the growing chorus of
concern about the potential costs of Kyoto to New Zealand's economy.
"This latest call from the tourism industry for more detailed analysis from the Government on the impact of ratifying
Kyoto comes on top of others from the farming, forestry and manufacturing sectors.
"National has said all along that New Zealand should not ratify the Kyoto Protocol ahead of competing nations such as
Australia and the US. This has been echoed by the business, farming, manufacturing and now the tourism sector.
"It's time Helen Clark and her Government started paying attention to the valid concerns," Mr Carter concluded.
Ends