Q&A with Grant Webster of Tourism Holdings

How has the credit crunch changed your world?

Tourism is affected as a discretionary spend. It has reinforced our strategy to focus on our core businesses and maintain a strong balance sheet.

Looking to the future we see New Zealand has a great opportunity to grow market share because people still want to travel.

How serious is the current downturn in a historical context?

It is looking like it will be the most sustained downturn in tourism for many years and is expected to be worse than either the Asian crisis or 9/11.

What helps you put it in perspective and stay positive?

The fantastic people in this business that respond and stay committed and focused even in the face of all sorts of uncertainties.