Lindsay Tisch MP
National Party Tourism Spokesman
10 May 2007
Chinese marketing millions must be spent wisely
The Government’s announcement of a $7 million investment to attract visitors from China will be wasted if the money is
not targeted well, says National’s Tourism spokesman, Lindsay Tisch.
“While China is an important emerging market, New Zealand has up till now mostly attracted low spending visitors lured
by shonky commission-based tourism operators offering souvenir shopping.
“The $7 million must be spent on attracting high-spending tourists or it will be wasted.
“Australia is making a huge marketing investment in China and we must move quickly and effectively to get our share.
“If the Government is serious about this key tourism market it must be proactive in ensuring New Zealand’s image is not
compromised.
“We want to reap the benefits of giving Chinese tourists a quality New Zealand experience.
“There is far more to be gained in reputation and revenue from greenstone than plastic tiki.”
ENDS