Tourism Strategy Update - Foreword  

by the Honourable Mark Burton, Minister of Tourism

Two years ago the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010 was launched. The document presented a long-term vision for tourism in New Zealand and developed a comprehensive and ambitious set of actions to realise this vision.

It is with considerable satisfaction that we can now review and celebrate what has been achieved over the first 2 years of the Strategy’s 10-year horizon to 2010.

A vast body of work has been undertaken, which has reshaped the tourism industry. This publication sets out the progress made.

As the Minister of Tourism, I have had a unique insight into the efforts of the many stakeholders involved and have been impressed by the breadth, depth and quality of their work. Everyone associated can rightly feel proud of their efforts and contributions.

Perhaps even more important has been the industry’s strong sense of common purpose since the Strategy was released. This has resulted in both an alignment of responsibilities and a desire to work together to achieve shared objectives. As a result, stakeholders in the sector know where they fit, the responsibilities they carry and where they can best work co-operatively across the sector.

The partnership approach between the public and private sectors applied in the development of the Strategy has been consolidated and enhanced in the implementation process, and there are many examples of where this partnership input has been critical. For its part, the Government is pleased to have a strong sector to work with as we pursue the sustainable development of tourism as part of our wider objective of strengthening New Zealand’s economy through innovation, sustainable development and regional growth

The feedback I have received indicates that the industry is equally pleased to have an effective and committed public sector partner.

Finally, I emphasise that the Strategy is only partly achieved - we are just 2 years into a 10-year strategy. There is much to be done and this will require the commitment and dedication shown over the previous two years to be sustained.

This update serves to document and celebrate our achievements, but more importantly, it sets out and refreshes those key elements of the Strategy that we have yet to achieve.

Our focus is still firmly on our future, a future that remains embedded in the vision of the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2010.

I look forward to working with you as we tackle the next set of challenges.