Campaigning PM talks potential tourism boost for QueenstownPrime Minister John Key has confirmed he'll stay on as Tourism Minister if National remains in power after the election. He announced his intention to retain the portfolio while visiting Queenstown to deliver his party's tourism policy. Mountain Scene quotes the PM as saying National would work hard to ensure tourism – the country's second largest export earner – continues to add to the growth of the Kiwi economy.“Our focus will be on attracting more high-quality international visitors and encouraging them to spend more money while in our country. We'll also continue to promote New Zealand as a film production destination.” The Otago Daily Times reported that Mr Key also announced the New Zealand cycleway should be finished by the end of 2012 or early 2013 and that he planned to focus on attracting “high end” visitors.“The important thing with tourism is it's not just a bums-on-seat mentality; it's important in terms of bringing people to New Zealand in high volume, but they don't spend much; they don't add a lot to the equation.” Fairfax reports that Mr Key announced National would also .. Look for opportunities out of South America .. Open up more air routes to New Zealand .. Rebuild Christchurch as a tourism destination and gateway .. Develop new facilities such as the SkyCity National Convention Centre .. Expand SmartGate Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt, who attended the announcement,told Mountain Scene he believes having the Prime Minister in charge of tourism gives the sector priority and bolsters support for Tourism New Zealand. “It's good to see the budget's safe,” Everitt says. While in Queenstown, the PM took the opportunity to ride the gondola to view the Ziptrek Ecotours operation. He told the attraction's general manager Stu Cordelle that he was committed to being the Minister of Tourism again and maintaining current funding, although he did not rule out increased funding for tourism in the future. |
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