Tourism links on ambassador's radar

VISIT: United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Mark Gilbert, and his wife, Nancy, with Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Hopefully a visit to Rotorua by a new American diplomat will strengthen tourism ties between Rotorua and the US.

The new United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Mark Gilbert, was in Rotorua at the weekend to meet Mayor Steve Chadwick, Destination Rotorua chief executive Mark Rawson and Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels.

Mr Gilbert wanted to talk about tourism links between the United States and Rotorua, and also to learn about Rotorua's tourism industry. As part of his visit he and his wife, Nancy, were given a private tour of the Rotorua Museum and a guided tour of Te Puia.

Mrs Chadwick said the ambassador showed a strong interest in Rotorua's tourism offering and was impressed with the visitor attractions he inspected.

"He was particularly interested in our cultural facilities and the way our unique Maori heritage and living culture are so accessible for visitors to experience.

"We were delighted to have the opportunity to establish links with Ambassador Gilbert. Having an advocate for our city in the US Embassy could potentially help open new doors to the important American tourist market," Mrs Chadwick said.

"The ambassador said he was looking forward to returning in the future, when he had more time, to see more of our city and the district's attractions."

President Barack Obama nominated Mr Gilbert as United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa on January 6 last year and the US Senate confirmed his appointment on December 12. He was sworn in by Vice-President Joe Biden on January 7.

Mr Gilbert presented his credentials to New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae in Wellington earlier this year.

He formerly served as managing director of UBS, the culmination of a distinguished career in finance which included positions at Barclays and Goldman Sachs. From 2009 to 2013 he served as the Deputy National Finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee.