Tourism Industry Aotearoa is looking forward to tackling some of the big issues facing the industry with new Tourism Minister Paula Bennett and Associate Minister Nicky Wagner.
“Paula Bennett has ably supported former Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key for the last two years in her role as Associate Tourism Minister,” said TIA chief executive Chris Roberts. “We are pleased she is continuing her involvement with the industry as the new Minister. The tourism sector has benefitted enormously from having Mr Key as Tourism Minister for the last eight years. We are pleased the portfolio is remaining with a highly ranked Cabinet Minister, reflecting the industry’s importance to New Zealand’s economy.”
TIA will seek meetings with both Ministers this year to discuss the challenges facing the fast-growing tourism industry. Total annual tourism revenue has grown from $28 billion to $34.7 billion in just two years. Strong growth has continued over summer and expected throughout 2017, and the medium-term outlook is very promising.
