Record interest in tourism show

By Felicity Anderson, Nzoom.com Business News Editor

Tuesday 21st May 2002

New Zealand's tourism trade show, Trenz, has kicked off in Auckland with a record 415 exhibitors and more than 425 international buyers from 36 countries.

Tourism Minister Mark Burton congratulated the New Zealand tourism sector for its successful response to the challenges of the post-September 11 global tourism market.

"Globally, the tourism sector has faced a challenging period following the terrible events of September 11," Burton said.

"New Zealand didn't escape from the unprecedented disruption and uncertainty that these events presented.

"However, we rose to the challenge, and by highlighting our competitive advantages - a safe, secure, friendly destination, offering a wonderful combination of outstanding natural environments, adventure, people, and artistic and cultural richness - New Zealand tourism has already rebounded and is back on a strong growth track."

A record 1,165,709 people visited the country between October and March - up 1.7% on Summer 2000-01.

However, Japanese tourist numbers were down 14% in that time. Tourism New Zealand met Japanese travel officials in New Zealand last week in an effort to bolster the market.

Burton congratulated Air New Zealand for announcing a significant increase in its international flight schedule, in particular to Sydney and Los Angeles.

"This will be widely welcomed, and is another indication of the buoyant nature of the New Zealand tourism sector."

Tourism is a $13.2 billion industry, contributing to 9.7% of GDP (gross domestic product) and 10.5% of employment. International expenditure is expected to grow by 7.8% per year to 2007.

Tourism Awards finalists were announced at Monday night's opening. John Moriarty, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) says entries this year are of a high quality and had picked up the flavour of the Tourism Staregy 2010 by focusing on business sustainability.

The finalists come from across the sector from adventure tours to major hotels and resorts. The supreme winner will be chosen after site visits and announced at the NZ Tourism Conference in August.

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