10. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister of Tourism
What recent reports has he received on the value of tourism to the New Zealand economy?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Acting Minister of Tourism) Link to this
I have seen some great reports, most notably the Tourism Satellite Account prepared by Statistics New Zealand for the year ended March 2010. It shows that a record $22.4 billion was spent by international and domestic tourists, up from $21.9 billion in the previous year. Spending by international tourists increased by $150 million during this period, making tourism New Zealand’s largest export earner, worth $9.5 billion to the New Zealand economy. That demonstrates the value of tourism to the New Zealand economy and shows that the Government’s decision to put an extra $50 million into tourism over the past 2 years was an excellent one.
What reports has the Minister seen on growth in tourism numbers from Australia, and how has the Government encouraged tourist visitations from Australia?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
We always knew that Australian visitors would be vital to keeping the sector going through the recession. In 2009-10 Tourism New Zealand worked with regional tourism organisations and commercial airlines to promote New Zealand to Australians, and $10 million was spent on joint ventures. So it is good to announce that Statistics New Zealand figures show that in the year ended September 2010 visitor numbers from Australia were up by 7 percent, to 1.122 million. It is clear that this Government initiative has paid off.
What recent initiatives has the Government taken to increase awareness of the New Zealand tourism brand overseas?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
Last night the Government announced that it has agreed to work together in a long-term strategic partnership with Warner Bros to promote New Zealand as both a film production and tourism destination. New Zealand will also host one of the premieres of the Hobbit movies. These arrangements are likely to be worth tens of millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy and the New Zealand tourism sector. It is a further example that this Government is looking to increase the value of tourism to New Zealand and to grow the economy.