Speech to Japanese Travel Agents

Japan Association of Travel Agents Chairman Matsuhashi san, Vice-Chairman Kogi san, JATA President Ishii san, Board members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, Your Worship Garry Moore - Mayor of Christchurch, members of the tourism industry, ladies and gentlemen.

I too would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests. We are honoured to have you in New Zealand and we look forward to a continuing and strengthened relationship with both your organisation and your country.

Japan and New Zealand have much to offer each other – both culturally and economically. We recognise the value of this relationship at the highest level – demonstrated by our Prime Minister Helen Clark’s visit to Japan with key trade personnel last year.

In turn, we were pleased to host Japan's Prime Minister for a brief visit to New Zealand just 2 weeks ago.

The New Zealand Government recognises the very important influence of the travel distribution sector in Japan that the Japan Association of Travel Agents represents.

Following the events of September 11 last year, a number of companies within the Japan Association of Travel Agents had the vision and confidence to make a significant investment in the New Zealand tourism recovery campaign.

This recovery campaign was a substantial three-way partnership, involving Japan Association of Travel Agents’ members in Japan, Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.

My government was heartened by the prospect of an effective partnership nurturing this important market back into growth, and assisted with an additional $2 million of marketing funds.

During this recovery initiative both the Prime Minister and I promoted the message - in Japan - that New Zealand is a safe and peaceful country, and one that offers visitors an authentic and rejuvenating experience.

I also had the privilege of speaking at a "New Zealand Night" at the JATA Travel Mart in Tokyo last November, and meeting with a number of JATA Board members and industry leaders during my visit to Tokyo.

The results of the campaign in Japan have been spectacular and have helped to return New Zealand tourism to a growth position within three months.

We thank you for your efforts in achieving not only this recent success, but for your ongoing support of New Zealand’s tourism industry. We hope that many more visitors from Japan will come and share our culture and superb natural environment.

This visit by the Board members of the Japan Association of Travel Agents is timely, and although the Prime Minister cannot be here, she acknowledges the importance of the group and this morning asked me to deliver her warmest personal welcome to you all.

Thank you again for travelling to New Zealand, we are delighted to have this opportunity to meet with you, and to host you in this wonderful country of ours.