-
Recognising tourism as a bedrock of New Zealand’s economy – The Prime Minister took up the tourism portfolio leading to greater recognition and a better understanding of the importance of the visitor economy. The creation of a Tourism Strategy Group in the Ministry of Economic Development is still to show promised benefits for the sector.
-
Marketing Destination New Zealand - The government boosted marketing support for Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) to the tune of $30 million including joint venture campaigns with regional tourism organisations. This was reduced in Budget 2011, but baseline funding is now $84 million, up from $69 million in 2008.
-
Investing in vital infrastructure – A national convention centre will be built in Auckland and progress has been made in the rollout of ultrafast broadband to rural areas. Public transport is also being improved in Auckland. There has been slow progress in upgrading cruise ship port facilities.
-
Improving New Zealand's environmental performance – The government has continued to subsidise energy efficiency programmes for tourism businesses, but has generally shown a lack of commitment to environmental performance and sustainability initiatives.
-
Investing in training and work skills initiatives - The government supported extra training in and around the Rugby World Cup and immigration policies are now more responsive to the labour needs of tourism businesses.
-
Boosting the return from major events – Keeping The Hobbit in New Zealand will be beneficial for tourism businesses and while Rugby World Cup 2011 is a boost for the industry, the legacy impacts are still to be proven.
