MEDIA RELEASE
7 July 2000

Industry Welcomes APEC Tourism Charter

The tourism industry welcomed the 'Seoul declaration on an APEC Tourism Charter' adopted today at the APEC Tourism Ministers meeting in Korea, saying the charter's policy goals would enhance tourism opportunities for New Zealand

"The tourism industry welcomes any moves that will remove impediments to the development of the tourism business for New Zealand and the APEC region," Glenys Coughlan, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association said.

"There is no doubt that moves to ensure sustainable tourism growth in the Asia-Pacific region benefits New Zealand as a part of the region.

"The four key goals of the APEC Tourism Charter will all help see the continued growth of tourism as a major contributor to the New Zealand economy.

"The Ministers' commitment to continue to involve the private sector in the development and implementation of the Tourism Charter is also welcome.

"As the main drivers of tourism, the industry needs to have an input when APEC member economies develop policies that affect our industry. The Seoul charter recognises that.

"It is particularly pleasing that the Charter was developed as part of New Zealand's year chairing APEC in 1999.

"As New Zealand's largest industry, the tourism industry is pleased that the APEC members as a whole realise the benefits that come from our industry, but also the environmental and other risks inherent in unchecked tourism growth in our region," Ms Coughlan said.

ENDS

More information: Simon King: Media Manager (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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