A tourism symposium in Auckland this week will be looking at how to counter perceived tourism fatigue.

The forum is being led by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) and will see a gathering of the inbound tourism industry and its suppliers to discuss the theme “Tourism – Contributing Towards a Better World.”

Chief Executive Judy Chen says there is no clear evidence of tourism fatigue in New Zealand however, judging by experience in overseas destinations and the increasing use of the term here, it is important the industry continues to promote the benefits of tourism to New Zealanders otherwise that label is going to stick.

But, she says it’s also in the best interests of the industry to look after the country and the people who live here to ensure tourism continues to enrich New Zealand.

Tourism fatigue, is when people feel that the benefits visitors bring to their community are being far outweighed by the perceived disruption they cause.

“The tourism industry is our largest export earner and is here for New Zealanders to benefit from through money coming into the regions, sustainable businesses and job opportunities.

If we don’t look after or contribute in some way to managing, maintaining and protecting our tourism offering we aren’t doing ourselves or fellow New Zealanders any favours.”

“With that in mind, the focus of our annual Xmas Symposium is to look at how we continue to do what we do but also contribute to making our corner of the world better, not worse, from tourism.”

“The TECNZ Xmas Symposium is an annual industry tradition and we usually get together to talk about the year that was and the high season to come. But with the rapid growth of tourism, which we know we as a sector are contributing to, we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to protect what makes New Zealand unique, it’s people and its environment.”

Guest speakers at the Symposium include Chief Executives from Diversity Works NZ, the Centre for Social Impact and the Next Foundation who will reflect on workplace diversity, environmental sustainability and ensuring funding made available for tourism delivers the desired long term economic and social outcomes.

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that has represented the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz