KEY POINTS:
National Party leader John Key says he will take the tourism portfolio if he wins the election and becomes prime minister.
He told a meeting of the Tourism Industry Association in Queenstown today he would use the office of prime minister to advance New Zealand's brand.
"There are many opportunities for New Zealand to forge ahead - provided we take a focused, coordinated approach to our international activities," he said.
"That's why I believe there would be an obvious role for me."
Mr Key said tourism was responsible for about 9 per cent of GDP and employed about one in 10 working New Zealanders.
"I would feel privileged to have the opportunity to be involved in promoting New Zealand overseas," he said.
"There is a unique beauty in this country, something we are all rightly proud of."
- NZPA
