The Government’s work to transform the tourism sector, strengthen its workforce and ensure a regenerative tourism future for New Zealand will be boosted by the outcomes of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan, launched this week by Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.
The draft Better Work Action Plan, the first phase of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan, was opened for public consultation at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s annual conference in Nelson, and was developed by the Industry Transformation Plan Leadership Group, a partnership between the Government, industry, unions, and MƒÅori.
“New Zealand is one of the top tourism destinations in the entire world, and as we recover from the pandemic, it is the perfect time to set out a new vision for tourism in our beautiful country, so that the sector can rebuild better, with a stronger focus on a more resilient and regenerative future,” Nash says.
“Our work with the Tourism ITP is to challenge the perception of a career in tourism from being one with low wages, long hours and uncertainty; to one of aspiration, fulfilment and with attractive career pathways. It identifies challenges and sets out actions to overcome them, including improving education and training, providing more resources for business owners and operators, and enabling better work through innovation and technology.
“Our ongoing work is integral to the Government’s objective of building a high-wage, low-emissions economy, and involves investing in our people, deepening the talent pool, lifting skill levels and providing better work outcomes for those in tourism. Although the pandemic has exacerbated some of the systemic challenges in tourism businesses, we know that these already existed before COVID-19.
“Our Government has supported the tourism sector throughout the pandemic, with a range of initiatives, such as $49 million Tourism Kick-start Fund which went to businesses most affected by the border closure. This fund has helped operators gear up for the return of international visitors. But now our borders are fully open, there’s a strong uptick in arrivals, and we’re anticipating a surging summer of tourism.
“It’s time to look ahead to the future of the sector and ensure we do not just go back to the way things were, but learn from the challenges of the past few years and rebuild in a stronger and more sustainable way. The Action Plan sets out a vision for the New Zealand tourism sector that is regenerative – where tourism is giving back more than it takes from people, communities, and the environment.
“I want to thank the Leadership Group, who gave up their time when the industry was going through a particularly challenging period to come together for this work. ITPs are all about partnership – they involve industry leaders, unions, MƒÅori and government. This draft Action Plan was developed together by all parties, and its success relies on continued partnership.”
Further information about the consultation, how to have your say, and how to attend in-person and online workshops can be found here. The closing date for feedback is September 14, 2022.
