Boost in tourism jobs needed, says minister

1.00pm

The tourism industry will need an extra 120,000 people by the end of the decade, Tourism Minister Mark Burton said at a graduation ceremony for tourism apprentices in Rotorua today.

"This means 6000 new colleagues in the attractions, activity, tours, and services sector, and 4500 new colleagues in the transport sector each year," he said.

Mr Burton said this was a conservative figure based on the markets current situation.

"I believe that the New Zealand tourism sector is going to outperform forecasts and meet its almost limitless potential."

Mr Burton warned the apprentices that the tourism trade was dependent on quality service delivered to tourists.

"The future of the industry rests on each and every interaction you have with our visitors."

He said the quality of service delivered reflected on the whole country and not just individual operators.

"As Minister of Tourism, I sometimes receive letters of complaint from international visitors whose experience of New Zealand and perception of our country is overshadowed as a result of one bad experience."

Mr Burton said the type of tourists the industry should be looking to attract were well-educated visitors, who travelled internationally on a regular basis, and had a relatively high level of income.

There were five new graduates. Three gained National Certificates in Tourism, one became the first graduate from the Parks Association of New Zealand, and one gained the first multiple graduations at one employer, Hells Gate WaiOra Spa.

- NZPA