Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key today revealed
the tourism industry will receive NZD30 million in new funding for
2010/11 in next week's Budget.
The announcement was made in a speech to the New Zealand Hotel
Industry Conference at Sky City Hotel in Auckland.
"As I've said previously, the Budget will focus squarely on
building faster and sustainable economic growth - it's the only way
we can create the jobs, higher incomes and the better living
standards New Zealanders deserve," Mr Key says.
"Tourism will play an important role in helping us get the
economy growing faster."
Most of the new tourism funding announced today (NZD25 million)
will be used to increase the marketing of New Zealand as a tourism
destination internationally. The other NZD5 million will be
allocated to joint venture initiatives.
"This investment is vitally important. It reflects my confidence
in the industry to substantially increase the value of tourism to
the New Zealand economy," Mr Key says.
"We will do this by focusing on high-value visitors who require
a high-quality experience while in New Zealand.
"I have always believed tourism has the potential to grow far
beyond the status quo and this funding will help give that belief
wings.
"We have the raw materials in our beautiful scenery, we have the
commitment of an industry that is continually striving for
excellence, and now we have the funding to sell that message even
more strongly all over the world.
"Tourism already makes a significant contribution to New
Zealand's economy and I am confident the extra funding I'm
confirming today will ensure that continues."
Source: Prime Minister/Minister of Tourism - Media Statement
13 May 2010