CINZ welcomes new minister of tourism

Hon. Stuart Nash has been recently appointed as the new minister of tourism for New Zealand. Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Lisa Hopkins (pictured) said the business events industry is “looking forward to working with minister Nash” and “having direct dialogue on the role this sector will have in supporting New Zealand’s economic recovery”. Hopkins said: “Business events are a significant part of tourism and we were the first to feel the impact of the global pandemic with the cancellation of large gatherings and border controls. “The appointment of a senior minister signifies the relevance and importance of the broader tourism sector to New Zealand’s recovery. “Additionally, minister Nash takes on the portfolios of Economic and Regional Development and Small Business, which will support the multitude of small businesses who are at the very heart of the sector. “We are also delighted to continue working with a friend of the industry, Hon. Peeni Henare in his role as associate minister of Tourism. Associate minister Henare has spent some time with members of the sector and has a strong grasp on the role it plays. CINZ also said it would like to “recognise and thank Hon. Kelvin Davis and Hon. Phil Twyford in their roles as minister of tourism and minister of economic development respectively during the last term”. Both minister Nash and associate ainister Henare will be invited to meet the industry at BE Reconnected, on 1 December in Auckland.