The release of New Zealand’s first Tourism Policy Statement (TPS) marks an important milestone for our industry, providing a long-term framework for how government, local authorities and industry will work together to grow tourism and hospitality and strengthen the visitor economy over the coming decade.
For us, as representatives of hospitality, this is particularly significant. The Statement recognises that restaurants, cafés, bars and food service businesses are not simply beneficiaries of tourism, but are fundamental to the visitor experience and to our country’s reputation as a destination. Every meal, coffee, celebration and dining experience contributes to the story visitors take home with them.
The Association welcomes the Government’s commitment to providing a clearer strategic direction for tourism and hospitality. Throughout the development of the Tourism Policy Statement, we engaged with officials and provided feedback to help ensure the perspectives of hospitality businesses were reflected. As an industry, we’ve long advocated for enhanced coordination across government, industry and local communities to ensure tourism and hospitality growth delivers lasting economic benefits while supporting the businesses and people that make those experiences possible.
Importantly, the Statement recognises industry associations as important delivery partners, highlighting their role in helping businesses improve performance through training, business capability, practical resources, advocacy and the adoption of new approaches. These are areas where the Restaurant Association is already actively supporting members and where we look forward to continuing to engage with Government and other stakeholders within our sector as the implementation plan is developed.
The vision is encouraging, however we know that success will ultimately be measured by outcomes. Our members continue to operate in a challenging environment where increasing turnover does not always translate into stronger profitability. The implementation of the Tourism Policy Statement will be an important opportunity to ensure initiatives genuinely support productive, resilient hospitality businesses while continuing to enhance the country’s visitor experience.
An implementation plan will now be developed to prioritise actions, establish timeframes and monitor progress. We look forward to continuing to work alongside government and industry partners as that work progresses, ensuring the voice of hospitality remains at the centre of these conversations.
We’ll continue to keep members informed as further details emerge and identify opportunities for hospitality businesses to benefit from the initiatives that flow from the Tourism Policy Statement.
More information
- Download a copy of the Tourism Policy Statement here
- Tourism Policy Statement sets sector direction – Minister Upston’s press release