AusLeisure

New Zealand Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash has unveiled a draft plan that aims to transform the nation’s tourism industry with a focus on sustainability.

Unveiling the draft of the He Mahere Tiaki Kaimahi/Industry Transformation Better Work Action Plan at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s annual conference in Nelson yesterday, Minister Nash delivered a vision of how to change that perception, improve conditions and strengthen the workforce through a “regenerative tourism system”.

One key area of the plan is the current staffing shortage being felt across all areas of the tourism industry, with Minister Nash saying it was necessary to create “attractive career pathways” into the sector, noting “now our borders are fully open, there’s a strong uptick in arrivals, and we’re anticipating a surging summer of tourism.

“It’s time to look ahead to the future of the sector and ensure we do not just go back to the way things were, but learn from the challenges of the past few years and rebuild in a stronger and more sustainable way.

“The action plan sets out a vision for the New Zealand tourism sector that is regenerative - where tourism is giving back more than it takes from people, communities, and the environment.”

Stating that the industry was often a stepping stone, not a destination for many workers, Minister Nash commented “many New Zealanders start their careers in tourism or a hospitality job, often the students or temporary jobs before they find 'a real job'.

"But we have done - I believe - a poor job of creating an aspirational career pathway in tourism for young people when they're considering their employment options."

Some of the plans key pillars include improving education and training and employee experience and future-proofing the industry through technology and innovation.

More resources for business owners and operators and a new Tourism and Hospitality Accord to set employment standards are also on the agenda.

Welcoming the plan, Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram advised “a recent survey carried out by TIA found that getting the right people in the right place in the right roles is the biggest concern for tourism employers around the country.

“The survey showed that 75% of tourism businesses are currently recruiting, and 58% of roles on offer are full time positions.”

Stating that the TIA will be heavily involved in the consultation process, Ingram added “a group of industry leaders has put considerable time and energy into developing the draft document.

“TIA will be actively taking part in the consultation process, with the objective of building a more sustainable workforce model for our members and individuals who choose to build their career in tourism.”

Feedback on the Action Plan closes middle of next month, with the final plan expected to be released before the end of the year.

For more information go to www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/better-work-action-plan/

Images: Minister Nash at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s annual conference in Nelson yesterday.

Related Articles

28th July 2022 - New Zealand tourism revival can fend off recession if the right people are in place

14th July 2022 - Queenstown named one of World’s Greatest Places by TIME magazine

17th June 2022 - New Zealand business events industry celebrates with gala and awards

15th June 2022 - Vital role of New Zealand business events sector recognised at MEETINGS 2022

10th June 2022 - Christchurch ready to welcome delegates for record MEETINGS

9th June 2022 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa adds new award to celebrate regenerative tourism 

25th May 2022 - New Zealand Tourism industry moving forward with optimism

24th May 2022 - Urban forests boost birdlife in New Zealand’s cities

18th May 2022 - Innovative online event focuses on restarting New Zealand tourism

14th May 2022 - Department of Conservation proposes visitor limit on Tongariro Crossing

11th May 2022 - New Zealand borders to open to all international visa holders from 1st August

10th May 2022 - New Zealand’s ski fields preparing to open for the 2022 winter season

4th May 2022 - New Zealand reopens to tourists from more than 60 countries

27th April 2022 - New Zealand tourism industry prepares to welcome back international visitors

30th March 2022 - TRENZ Connect Online events reconnects New Zealand tourism with global markets

24th February 2022 - Survey shows New Zealand tourism business revenue plunging 60%

22nd February 2022 - New Zealand tourism businesses facing toughest ever trading conditions

31st January 2022 - New Zealand tourism businesses facing cybersecurity challenges

10th December 2021 - New statistics show COVID’s devastating impact on New Zealand tourism

9th December 2021 - Challenges ahead for New Zealand tourism in 2022

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.