17 Dec 2008
The Tourism Board (TNZ), chaired by businessman Greg Muir,
wants to meet John Key, Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism”
“to develop a bold
plan of action”.
The Ministry of Tourism CEO Ray Salter says there are investment
options, “including new marketing investment through
TNZ that could ensure that tourism can contribute to our country’s
response to the current economic situation”.
TNZ’S Briefing to the Incoming Minister (BIM) of Tourism
suggests countering immediate
falls in arrivals with extra promotion in the domestic market,
and international markets that are holding up – UK and
Australia.
The Ministry of Tourism briefing says Australia and possibly
the United Kingdom are international source markets that could
play a lead role in a tourism response strategy.
The tourism BIM from the Ministry of Tourism says tourism
has the potential to generate economic activity relatively
quickly. This may complement other stimulation initiatives
such as infrastructure investments that have longer timeframes.
“Tourism also offers the potential for economic stimulation
activity to target small to medium enterprises which make
up much of the sector, and to distribute economic activity
to regions that may be difficult to assist by other means.”
The Associate Minister of Tourism, Jonathan Coleman, told
the Inbound Tourism Operators Council (ITOC) the fact that
the Prime Minister is also the Minister of Tourism shows the
industry how seriously the Government takes it and the contribution
it makes to the economy.
"We will be working closely with Tourism New Zealand
to make sure we are putting as many resources as possible
into the front line marketing effort to get maximum bang for
our buck."
"Our environmental policy will protect the resources
that tourism providers rely on - clean water, clean air and
unique landscapes."
Our intention to review the Department of Conservation's approach
to concessions is one example of how we can make sure the
public sector supports private initiatives.
Mr Coleman said the proposed bill that aims to streamline
and simplify the Resource Management Act will remove unnecessary
red tape and compliance that hinder sensible development.
He said the Government can make sure that it doesn't hinder
the efforts of the largely small and medium-sized businesses
that are the bulk of the tourism operators in New Zealand.
"We want the private and public sectors to work together
to develop the industry further.
The Minister said that the Government will ensure that all
its internationally focussed agencies - tourism, trade and
enterprise, and foreign affairs - work together effectively,
and work effectively with the private sector.
Since Mr Coleman’s ITOC speech the release of BIMs from
nearly 40 government agencies shows the relevance of other
ministers to tourism – and some of the challenges other
agencies pose for tourism.
In their briefing to the incoming Minister of Infrastructure
an interagency group, including the Ministry of Economic Development
(MED), explores how officials can assist the government take
an integrated approach to infrastructure policy. The Ministry
of Tourism briefing says “Tourism sector needs are frequently
overlooked in core infrastructure planning as visitors pass
through rather than being a ‘resident’ stakeholder
group.”
MED – in which the Ministry of Tourism is housed -
says it is there to help firms and the internationalisation
of NZ – and to support regional development strategies.
MED is working across government to get a better understanding
of the impact of the financial crisis on business.
MED echoes the OECD and other complaints that NZ public investment
in business development is too fragmented and thinly spread,
leading to duplication and clutter.
The Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) says officials from key
agencies want a natural resources sector, partly because it
is important to tourism - but the Ministry of Tourism is not
in the interagency work group.
Destination Marlborough CEO Dr Moran had said before the election
“What is needed is a tourism task force team that has
senior cabinet members in addition to the Minister of Tourism
so that the industry needs are not relegated to about number
20 on the list of priorities”.
Part of the local voice is being heard!
Find out more through the links
section of www.decisionmaker.co.nz, where all the BIMs
to the incoming ministers in the Key and Clark governments
in 2008 and 2005 are being brought together.
Follow some of the ministerial reaction at www.beehive.govt.nz
.
Enjoy your holiday reading – and use the BIMs to find
what officials are saying that could affect you.
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