International Policy

One of the Ministry's functions is to contribute to international tourism policy development, monitor relevant developments in tourism policy in other countries and develop linkages of benefit to tourism policy development in New Zealand. We are members of:

• APEC - Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation
• ASCOT - Australian Standing Committee on Tourism

APEC

The Ministry is actively involved in the APEC Tourism Working Group (TWG), which includes senior tourism officials from 21 countries in the Asia Pacific region.

• The Working Group (TWG) discusses, develops and implements policy on tourism research, sustainable development, tourism education practices, economic impacts and a wide range of other issues.

• The Seoul Declaration on an APEC Tourism Charter provides the basis for the APEC Working Group's current work.  The Charter was developed in New Zealand's year as Chair of the TWG, in 1999, and approved by Ministers in Seoul, Korea in 2000.

• Twice-yearly meetings allow New Zealand to stay abreast of international best practice in tourism policy development and to provide other countries with the benefits of our own experience.  New Zealand is co-chair of the sub-group on sustainability.

• Ministerial meetings are held every second year, at which the Minister of Tourism meets with his colleagues from the region.

ASCOT

The Ministry participates in the Australian Standing Committee on Tourism (ASCOT), a meeting of State and Federal tourism officials which allows us to develop relationships and share best practice with our closest neighbours. The Minister of Tourism attends an annual Australian Tourism Ministers Council meeting.

International tourism organisations

The Ministry keeps a watching brief and occasionally contributes to  policy developments in other countries and by organisations such as:

• the World Travel and Tourism Council,

• the World Tourism Organisation,

• the European Union and

• the OECD

For enquiries, contact:

policy@tourism.govt.nz