Tourists visiting the Red Shed in Glenorchy.
photograph: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocy said nothing is impossible when it comes to funding the industry and the critical infrastructure it needs.
Doocy has been traveling the country over the past few weeks, meeting with tourism and regional tourism operators and listening to their requests and concerns.
He wanted to know how he could support the growth of this sector and become a bigger part of Aotearoa's economic success.
“While some regions like Queenstown have already reached pre-COVID levels, others like Rotorua and Dunedin are still hoping for a return of tourists,” Mr Doocy said. said.
During his trip, he said one of the issues that the industry continues to raise is improving financing.
Mr. Doocy said it is important for the region to have the necessary visitor infrastructure in place to accommodate visitors and reduce the burden on the community.
Matt Doocy, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality
photograph: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The $35 international visitor tax generates about $80 million to $90 million annually, split 50-50 between tourism and conservation.
But some regions, such as Queenstown, with a small ratepayer base, are considering options such as a bed tax to cover costs.
“For me, there's no thinking right now about figuring out how to improve resource tourism, because what I want for tourism is to grow,” Doocy said. Ta.
Rotorua tourists
photograph: 123RF
Part of this included ensuring the welcome mat was rolled out to all tourists, not just those with cash to spare.
The previous government quelled criticism over comments that suggested the country wanted to attract discerning rather than budget travelers.
But Doocy said budget travelers and backpackers are welcome.
“This is the type of market where you can tap into small rural parts of New Zealand and spend your hard-earned money in local cafes and accommodation, and even get a job in tourism.
“Look, I want to welcome all tourists to New Zealand.”
During last year's political campaign, the National Party created a new 80km Great Walk in Waiau Toa/Molesworth, raised the upper age limit for working holiday visa holders from 30 to 35, and He promised that he would be able to apply for a second visa. Work visas will be necessary as long as there is a labor shortage.
Set aside $3 million in co-investment in e-bike fees to electrify bike trails, promote community events with $5 million worth of contested funds over four years, and lock in interests in DOC real estate. was also an election promise.
The four-year, $22 million tourism package will be funded by international tourist taxes.
Doocy said he is working with authorities on the new policy and how to implement it.
“I believe in setting milestones for implementation of the policy and seeking advice from officials considering opening up the policy.”
But he wanted to work with industry on policy proposals.
“We think we can get a better result in terms of the manifesto commitments and we want to consult with industry to deliver that.”
Since coming to power, the coalition government has suspended its tourism industry transformation plan, which aims to shift Aotearoa's tourism to a more renewable model.
Mr. Doocy said he had scaled back planning work across government departments.
“We believe that the work undertaken by the consultants was very expensive and there was a large amount of work that did not add any value to this area,” he said.
Christchurch trams are popular with tourists
photograph: 123rf
He asked the authorities for advice on how to continue the commitment to better quality data, as it is an important issue for businesses.
“There are clearly issues with the Milford Opportunity Project and what it is trying to accomplish in the Milford area. This project has already cost about $13 million.”
The Milford Opportunity Project was announced in 2021 and outlines a vision for Piopiotahi, including banning cruise ships from Milford Sound and charging international visitors..
It initially received a $15 million grant from the previous administration.
Mr Doocy traveled to Fiordland this week to speak with operators about how they hope to continue work on the project and what they hope to achieve.
Some projects would be closely scrutinized, while others took a more relaxed attitude.
He was willing to allow the law regulating self-sufficient vehicles to go through its natural review process before responding to feedback on the bill.
Mr Doocy said his aim was to give businesses certainty and predictability, and with his experience in both tourism and hospitality, he was confident he could make a difference. .
