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Prime Minister John Key today expressed his disappointment at the British Government’s announcement overnight of an increase in passenger duty for air travellers to New Zealand.

The British Government has announced that the UK Air Passenger Duty (APD) will increase next April from 85 pounds sterling to 92 pounds sterling per passenger coming to New Zealand.

“The APD places a significant burden on New Zealand businesses, on families who travel, and on our tourism industry,” said Mr Key.

Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman today welcomed confirmation China Southern Airlines will commence daily flights on its Guangzhou – Auckland route from 1 November 2011.

‘’New Zealand’s tourism sector and economy will get a significant boost with China Southern’s move from thrice-weekly flights to daily flights,’’ Dr Coleman says.

Prime Minister John Key today announced that Kerry Prendergast has been appointed Chair of the New Zealand Tourism Board for a three year term.

The New Zealand Tourism Board, trading as Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), markets New Zealand as a tourism destination.

The current Chair, Greg Muir, is not seeking re-appointment following the completion of his three-year term in July.

Kerry Prendergast is the former Mayor of Wellington and former Vice-President of Local Government New Zealand.

A new joint Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Tourism New Zealand office in Shanghai is an important development in facilitating Chinese visitors to New Zealand, says Immigration Minister and Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Dr Coleman says it signals the Government's response to meeting demand from one of New Zealand's fastest growing tourist markets which is worth around $365 million a year.

"We are seeing more tourists and business visitors from China," says Dr Coleman.

Kia ora, good morning. It's a pleasure to be here to open this year's local government New Zealand tourism symposium.

Lawrence Yule, thank you for the introduction. I would like to acknowledge Local Government New Zealand, Regional Tourism Organisations of New Zealand and the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) for organising the event.

Prime Minister John Key today announced that Olympic Gold medallist Sarah Ulmer has signed up as an ambassador for Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project (NZCT).

Mr Key told delegates and media at tourism conference TRENZ in Queenstown that he was delighted Ms Ulmer would front the promotion of the NZCT project.

“Sarah Ulmer’s sporting achievements and her passion for cycling, fitness and health make her an inspiring ambassador for the Cycle Trail.

New Zealand’s tourism sector will benefit from China Southern Airlines’ decision to fly daily from Guangzhou to Auckland, says Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman.

China Southern has confirmed that later this year it will increase its three-times a week service to daily flights. Dr Coleman says this move is expected to increase the number of visitors on China Southern Airlines to 50,000 a year, worth an estimated $150 million to the economy.

Prime Minister John Key this afternoon welcomed the inaugural China Southern Airlines flight from Guangzhou.

China Southern will fly a non-stop service three times a week between Guangzhou and Auckland.

“This is a very significant development which will have substantial benefits for New Zealand business, tourism and exporting,” says Mr Key.

New Zealand’s first-rate marine sector has received another endorsement with confirmation the next class of America’s Cup catamarans will be built in Auckland, says Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Dr Coleman, at today’s launch of the new AC45 catamaran in Auckland, says the awarding of the contract by America’s Cup management to Warkworth boat builders Core Builders Composites reinforces the marine industry’s world-class reputation.

Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman has welcomed confirmation China’s biggest carrier will bypass Melbourne and fly a direct Guangzhou- Auckland route.

China Southern Airlines announced last month it was running a three-times-a week service via Melbourne from April this year, but today confirmed it will bypass the Victorian state capital creating a direct route to Auckland.

‘’For the tourism sector it’s an invaluable tool to help grow the rising number of Chinese visitors,’’ Dr Coleman says.

Spending by international and domestic tourists increased to $22.4 billion for the year ended March 2010, Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman confirmed today.

It is a pleasure to be here today as Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key has today, on World Tourism Day, announced that funding of $13.9 million has been approved for five more cycle trails under Nga Haerenga, the New Zealan

As Associate Minister of Tourism, it is a pleasure to be here in beautiful Hawke's Bay.

Kia Ora. It's great to be here for the second day of your annual conference and I understand you've had a productive first day of networking, talks and events. I would like to open this morning by acknowledging Brian Henderson, President of ITOC and ITOC chief executive Paul Yeo.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key says the eye catching 25-metre-long Giant Rugby Ball will be placed alongside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, with views of the ico

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key today confirmed Cabinet's decision to fully integrate the Ministry of Tourism into its home department, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED).

Acting Minister of Tourism, Dr Jonathan Coleman, has welcomed the announcement that eight new cycle trails have been approved for funding under The New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

Associate Minister of Tourism Dr Jonathan Coleman today released the latest Ministry of Tourism forecasts, which show that overall, the sector's future looks positive.

Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced the appointment of three new members to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (MACI) board.

Welcome

Outstanding achievements in the hotel sector were recognised at the inaugural Hotel Industry Conference awards in Auckland tonight.

Thank you for inviting me here to open the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference.