TIA urges Govt to continue Tourism Futures Taskforce mahi
Sustainable tourism - NZ needs to lead the way
Tourism Industry Aotearoa is urging the Government to carry forward the work done by the Tourism Futures Taskforce so New Zealand can create a world-leading sustainable tourism future.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has released the Taskforce’s interim report which he received in December. It makes 21 recommendations to transform the visitor economy.
TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts, who is one of 35 members of the Advisory Group to the Taskforce, says it met its mandate to come up with bold ideas to make systemic changes.
He says: “The Taskforce has addressed the major issues and looked towards the tourism industry we, as a country, want to have in 10, 20 or even 30 years and beyond. It has come up with courageous ideas to ensure tourism enriches both New Zealanders and Aotearoa..
“Some of the recommendations are fully formed and others need further refinement. There will not be universal agreement on these recommendations and that was never the intention – this interim report was to stimulate discussions, and allow industry and government to come together and agree on the best way forward.”
This interim report was produced under huge time pressure and was presented to the Minister in early December. The intention was to get some quick feedback and then go back out for further consultation, before completing a final report. As stated throughout the interim report, there is a lot of work still to be done to test and refine the thinking.
“The job is only half done. However, as the new Minister of Tourism, Minister Nash has made it clear that he wants to take a different approach and is identifying his own priorities. This is disappointing, given the time and resource put into the Taskforce. It was asked to provide the blueprint for the future course of tourism but is now seen as just a useful input into government thinking,” Mr Roberts says.
“It appears the Taskforce will not get to finish its work and that is regrettable. We must not waste the opportunity we have to make bold changes to fix longstanding issues in the tourism system. To do that, we need a Government that is willing to work hand in hand with the tourism industry to firstly get through this crisis, and then take brave, decisive action that will bring long-term benefit for New Zealand and New Zealanders.”
Hospitality NZ also welcomed the newly released Interim report for the Tourism Futures Taskforce
Chief Executive Julie White says the report, which was compiled with help of an industry advisory group of which Hospitality NZ was a part, provides valuable input into what the hospitality and tourism sector could look like as it looks towards a sustainable future.
“Hospitality is an important part of tourism. We are at the heart of communities’ wellbeing socially and economically, and we welcomed the opportunity to provide input to this vital work.
“We would like to thank the co-Chairs, and the entire Tourism Taskforce working group for their great work on this.
“A strong visitor economy beyond COVID-19 will provide a strong social license and value to the economy.
“Funding, employment, sustainability and government-industry partnership are all core to the success of a better, more resilient future.
“We also welcome that the Minister of Tourism intends to consult closely with the industry and to see what the right engagement mechanism is moving forward.”
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
