KEY POINTS:
The Government is putting $7 million into boosting its tourism marketing in China.
Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor said today China was a critical emerging market for New Zealand.
"The funding of $7 million over two years will allow Tourism New Zealand to raise our profile and attract more high-yielding visitors," he said.
China granted New Zealand Approved Destination Status (ADS) in 1999, and Mr O'Connor said that since then visitors had increased by an average 22 per cent a year.
He said some of the money would be used to improve the administration of the ADS to ensure Chinese visitors were not offered sub-standard deals by tourist operators.
"Complacency and a do-nothing approach risks a gradual diminution in satisfaction levels of those Chinese travellers visiting New Zealand, especially as these travellers gain travel experience and compare New Zealand against other destinations," Mr O'Connor said.
- NZPA
