The global tourism industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, and New Zealand is no exception. The government has been working with industry stakeholders to revive the sector, says Tourism Minister Peeni Ereatara Gladwyn Henare.
"The government continues prioritising a positive, more regenerative rebuild of tourism,” Henare told The Indian Weekender in an exclusive interview.
The parliamentarian from Tamaki Makaurau, who took charge of the tourism ministry in February 2023, says he is busy delivering on several of his government’s initiatives.
“My immediate priorities include finalising the Environmental Action Plan, partnering
with industry to deliver on the initiatives in the Better Work Action Plan (released in March 2023, it has been created in partnership with representatives from the tourism industry, unions, government and Maori, and aims to address issues affecting the tourism workforce that make it difficult for the industry to attract and retain quality employees); and delivering on Freedom Camping reforms," he says.
Henare points out the government has been supporting recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, and it has announced more than $50 million in support to help businesses
with the clean up. He says the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which provides up to
$25 million annually to develop tourism-related infrastructure and supports regions facing pressure from tourism growth, will focus on rebuilding and resilience projects.
“We are also helping the sector coordinate its efforts, alongside the government, ensuring Aotearoa delivers a successful FIFA Women's World Cup in July 2023. Co-hosting an event of this magnitude will generate huge social and economic benefits for New Zealand and leave a legacy for football and women’s sport in this country,” he says.
Difficulty in finding workers, emissions reduction, environmental sustainability, and creating climate-resilient infrastructure for communities and visitors remain the government’s concerns. "Everyone is finding it hard to find workers. We have approached the issue in two phases, with some concessions in immigration policy to support the sector to recover and adjust, and the Better Work Action Plan to support longer-term needs," Henare says.
He points out the government has allowed businesses to recruit migrants for several tourism and hospitality roles below the median wage requirement until April 2024. Extension of working holiday visas and open work rights to address casual workforce shortages in the tourism and hospitality industries has also helped,
Henare says.
"The future is coming to us faster than many think, and we all need to support each other to be prepared to face it," he says, adding, "Aotearoa New Zealand has
a long and proud history as a top holiday destination and is known for our warm welcome and manaakitanga (hospitality) alongside our range of unique natural
attractions. Competition for travellers is fierce, but it's fair to say that New Zealand
punches above its weight, consistently ranking highly with those actively
considering travelling."
The minister's vision for the future of tourism in New Zealand is one of resilience,
sustainability and collaboration. "It is a very different time for our tourism industry,
and I wholeheartedly sympathise with the industry that has been dealt with a series
of hard knocks. My job is to ensure they are supported while weathering 'another
storm' and supporting the sector to build back better. We are a small but mighty
country, and we can show the world what a regenerative tourism industry looks like,”
he says.
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