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Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain today launched a new data collection that provides a never-before-seen insight into New Zealand’s tourism industry.

The Regional Tourism Indicators, produced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is based on anonymous electronic card transactions made since 2008. International data is collected from electronic transactions at over 30,000 retailers across the country.  Domestic data is captured from transactions made using BNZ bank cards.

Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain has welcomed the arrival of Waka Tapu to Rapanui/Easter Island.

Two waka hourua (double–hulled sailing canoes) carrying 12 crew departed Auckland in August on a 10,000 nautical mile voyage to Rapanui and back.

“Today the waka reached Rapanui safely – using only the stars, moon, sun, ocean currents, birds and marine life to guide their way across 5,000 nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean,” says Mr Tremain.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has announced continued funding to support and rebuild tourism in Christchurch.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has provided $500,000 towards a second year of the Canterbury Tourism Partnership. This has been matched by contributions from Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch City Council.

Mr Key made the announcement at the Ibis Hotel opening ceremony this morning.

Associate Minister of Tourism Chris Tremain says the departure of Waka Tapu this morning from Waitemata Harbour to Rapanui (Easter Island) was an historic moment for New Zealand.

The two waka hourua were guided out of the Harbour by an impressive flotilla including Royal New Zealand Navy vessels, waka tua (war canoes) and other waka hourua.

The Government has welcomed news the Australian Government has revised its travel warning for Christchurch and Lyttelton, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain say.

“Getting tourism back on its feet in the region is incredibly important for the rebuild and recovery of the wider Canterbury region,” Mr Brownlee says.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has today announced two new appointments and two reappointments to the board of Tourism New Zealand (TNZ).

“I would like to thank the departing members, Glenys Coughlan and Paul Richardson, who have served TNZ well during their term.

“I would also like to welcome Jenn Bestwick and John Thorburn whose appointments became official yesterday.

Associate Tourism Minister Chris Tremain will officially open the Hauraki Rail Trail today. This is the sixth great ride to be completed under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail.

“The Hauraki Rail Trail is an incredibly unique Great Ride. It stretches for 77 kilometres, much of it along an old railway formation. It is almost completely flat, making it ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities, especially families,” says Mr Tremain.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key is welcoming participants in the inaugural NZPGA Pro-Am Championship tournament in Queenstown this week.

The event, which is now being run by a partnership between the NZPGA, Sir Michael Hill and The Hills Golf Course, has received $500,000 from the Government’s Major Events Development Fund.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has congratulated Air New Zealand on again being named Airline of the Year by ‘Air Transport World’ magazine.

“Air New Zealand was named Airline of the Year in January 2010, and to gain this honour twice in three years is an outstanding achievement,” says Mr Key.