Mining decision heeds tourism feedback

The government’s decision not to undertake new mining in national parks is a great result for the tourism industry, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

“This is the result that the majority of our members will welcome,” says TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar.

“National parks are anchors of the international perception of this country’s green and clean image. Our members felt additional mining in these pristine environments could have harmed our reputation, affecting not only tourism but the many other industries that leverage off 100% Pure New Zealand.

“We are not against mining, but TIA members told us they generally oppose new mining in national parks.”

Mr Cossar says tourism operators will also welcome the government’s decision to proceed with its proposal to add 12,400 hectares of land to Schedule 4, including all national parks and marine reserves.

The tourism industry contributes more than 9.1% of gross domestic product (GDP), reaching $21.7 billion in visitor expenditure a year. It is one of the country’s largest generators of economic wealth and jobs for New Zealanders.

“We are confident the financial contribution tourism will make to the New Zealand economy, now and in the decades to come, will continue to grow, with national parks at the forefront of our international visitor brand.”

Read TIA’s submission on the mining proposals: www.tianz.org.nz/main/conservation

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