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www.tianz.org.nz

30 June 2000

Tourism office must have strong voice

The tourism industry will welcome the move of the Office of Tourism and Sport (OTSp) into the Ministry of Economic Development as long as the office continues to have a strong voice in Government, Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Chief Executive Glenys Coughlan said today.

"The tourism industry is supportive of the move of OTSp to the Ministry because of the direct link between tourism and economic development. Tourism is a key driver of economic growth in many regions, and the siting of the Government's main tourism policy arm with the Ministry of Economic Development makes sense.

"OTSp have driven a number of initiatives, such as the establishment of the Tourism Research and Forecasting Clearinghouse, that will have an enormous benefit to the tourism industry in New Zealand. They have also developed a good relationship with the industry and have partnered us on key tourism industry projects.

"As New Zealand's biggest industry, tourism has an enormous impact on all areas of the economy and of government. It is essential therefore that OTSp, as the government's principal advisor on tourism policy, retains a strong voice with the new Ministry," Ms Coughlan said.

ENDS

More information: Simon King: (04) 494 1845/(025) 807 252 The Tourism Industry Association represents 3,500 businesses and organisations within the tourism industry Members include airlines, airport companies, and regional tourism organisations, rental car, coach and taxi companies, inbound tour operators, travel agents, adventure tourism operators, accommodation providers, tourism attractions, researchers, training organisations and tourism services providers Tourism is New Zealand's largest export earner - accounting for 16 % of this country's export earnings The Tourism Industry Association organises the New Zealand Tourism Conference, TRENZ and the New Zealand Tourism Awards

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