Tourism Industry Association, Hotel Council to merge

Tuesday 27th March 2012

New Zealand’s Tourism Industry Association and Hotel Council have agreed to merge on April 1, in a move they say will give the $23 billion sector a stronger voice in lobbying government.

Currency TIA chairman Norm Thompson will oversee the enlarged group while NZHC chair Jennie Langley will retire. The merger was confirmed at a special general meeting of the NZHC on Monday, the TIA said in a statement.

“A strong hotel sector is vital to a thriving visitor economy,” Thompson said. “Together we can deliver even better outcomes for our members.” NZHC members will be integrated into TIA, with the association providing a new hotel sector.

The NZHC regional chairs will remain in place and continue to represent the interests of the hotel members in their regions, the statement said. Discussions are underway with a range of other tourism organisations about further integration of industry groups, Thompson said.

Overseas tourists spent $9.7 billion in the year ended March 31, 2011, while domestic tourism generated $13.2 billion. Revenue from tourism rose 2.1 percent from a year earlier. The sector contributed 6.9 percent to gross domestic product.

(BusinessDesk)

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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