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Productive & Sustainable Growth
2020 LEADERS FORUM HON KELVIN DAVIS, MINISTER OF TOURISM
2019 was another exciting year for tourism, with many significant successes and some real challenges.
From a Government perspective, we’ve done a huge amount of work, which reflects the importance of tourism to the country and the busy nature of the portfolio. I’ve also been joined by an Associate Minister, Peeni Henare, and it’s been great to have another pair of hands on board.
All the work we’re doing in the tourism space is now drawn from the New Zealand-Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy, launched in May. The Strategy aims to deliver benefits to kiwis through productive, sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.
An important tool in achieving this is the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which has collected over $36 million since its introduction in July. Investments from the IVL will ensure our visitors have a great time in New Zealand, while our environment and local communities can continue to benefit from tourism.
Improving the sector’s productivity and the tourism system’s capability is a focus of our Strategy. One in seven kiwis work in tourism, the industry is growing, and will need more workers in the years to come. I’m particularly interested in how we can create opportunities for our young people.
Go With Tourism Roll Out
That’s why one of the first IVL investments was a $5.2 million boost to fund the national roll-out of Auckland’s Go with Tourism initiative. Go with Tourism has been successful matching people with employers in Auckland, Northland and Queenstown, and the investment will see it roll out to other regions in weeks and months to come.
As part of looking ahead, in September we completed an independent report on Tourism NZ, which confirmed that TNZ is setting the global benchmark for destination marketing. We’re in great hands as we tackle important tourism issues, like softening international growth, fierce competition and ensuring that tourism is sustainable. The report also identifies opportunities to make greater use of TNZ’s capabilities. As a first step, I have asked TNZ to deliver an insight report on international market views on carbon emissions and tourism.
We’ve also continued our work investing to improve the freedom camping experience for everyone. Summer 2018/19 piloted a range of initiatives, and we have enhanced those for roll out this season, partnering with 38 local councils to support activities including education and enforcement projects, ambassador programmes, real-time management of campsites and temporary facilities. Last season saw a dramatic fall in the number of issues local councils were dealing with and, with the latest initiatives in place, I am hopeful that councils, communities and campers will have an even more enjoyable summer this year.
HON KELVIN DAVIS, MINISTER OF TOURISM
Data Hui We know that data and information has always been a challenge, and we are addressing this. I called a Data Hui in October, which was very successful, with agreement on a vision for a collaborative data system that generates real value. We will continue to work with the sector to move towards a system based on collective impact. We are also in the process of replacing the Commercial Accommodation Monitor.
I mentioned in my last Leaders Forum column that the China- New Zealand Year of Tourism would be a big focus for 2019. I’m pleased to say that this year-long event was a success, strengthening people-topeople ties and building a strong foundation for future cooperation. A big focus for 2020 will be on continuing to support communities and regions with destination management and planning; building on the success of the Data Hui and delivering an improved accommodation survey, and working to advance coordination across the tourism system. We will also be announcing our long-term IVL Investment Plan soon.
Tourism is a vital part of New Zealand’s ongoing success, supporting national and regional economies, creating jobs and allowing us to celebrate who we are. We know the success of tourism depends on our people. One thing that really heartens me as Minister is the way the sector pulls together in times of challenge and tragedy. The gestures shown at these times are a real testament to the values of the sector and industry, its manaakitanga, its whanaungatanga, its tiakitangi in action.
Thank you for the wonderful job you all do in working together to create a sustainable sector that gives back more than it takes to New Zealand.
