The next annual conference of the Inbound Tour Operators Council will be held on the West Coast in August 2012.

Lesley Immink, Chief Executive of ITOC says: “The decision was announced at the Gala Dinner on the final evening of the 2011 ITOC Conference held in Tauranga.”

“ITOC conferences traditionally alternate between the North and South Islands and we are delighted to be staging the 2012 conference on the West Coast. The 200 delegates at this year’s conference greeted the announcement with much enthusiasm so we know we’re going to get plenty of support.”

Tourism West Coast Chairman Phillip Barnett says he is delighted at the news.

“This is fantastic. It will bring the top NZ inbound holiday destination decision makers to the West Coast and give us and every tour operator on the Coast a real vehicle to promote the region,” he says. “When the West Coast last hosted this conference at Franz Josef in the early 1990s the region saw a big rise in awareness and visitor numbers surged.”

Mrs Immink says that getting tourism operators to different parts of the country is a key part in educating them on the attractions and activities on offer. “The West Coast has a fantastic reputation as a visitor destination and we know that West Coast Tourism will do a great job in ensuring that delegates from around New Zealand and overseas will see it at its very best.”

The dates for the August 2012 conference will be announced in the next few weeks.

ITOC Background:
The Inbound Tour Operators Council of NZ was founded in 1971 and celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year. It represents 250 tour operators and suppliers throughout the country who package, distribute and market New Zealand tourism products and services internationally.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Lesley Immink
Chief Executive – ITOC