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Tourism Industry Aotearoa has welcomed the Government’s move to develop a Tourism Policy Statement aimed at formalising the structure, roles and long-term direction of the sector.
The announcement was made by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston at the Otago Tourism Policy School conference, which focused on emerging technologies and the Tourism Growth Roadmap.
Call for clearer roles
TIA chief executive Rebecca Ingram says the policy would help address long-standing structural challenges across the industry.
“TIA first called for a National Tourism Policy Statement in the industry’s Tourism 2050 blueprint back in 2023,” Rebecca says.
“Since then we’ve engaged with MBIE and the Minister on this topic, so we’re delighted to see this taking another step in the right direction.”
She says the sector has operated within a complex and fragmented system, with limited formal definition of roles.
“Currently, the role of Tourism New Zealand is the only key function established by legislation.”
Supporting coordinated growth
Rebecca says the proposed policy would provide clarity across government, agencies and industry.
“Other key parts of the industry are not mandated or structured, including the role of Government, Conservation, local government, regional tourism organisations and the industry itself.”
The Tourism Policy Statement is expected to support more coordinated planning and investment across the sector.
“It will enable strategic planning and development to take place, and provide a framework that allows the industry to plan, invest and collaborate with greater certainty,” she says.
Economic contribution
Tourism generates an estimated $44.6 billion annually, accounting for 7.7 per cent of GDP and 11 per cent of the workforce.
TIA says it will continue working with the Minister as the policy develops to help ensure a clear and consistent direction for future growth.
