The task force will be led by Tourism NZ, working alongside the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Department of Conservation and industry stakeholders.
The group’s main focus is governing policies: what marketing can be done domestically and internationally and to whom; as well as how visitors are managed once they are in New Zealand.
During a webinar hosted by Tourism NZ last week, which over 2500 people attended, CEO Stephen England-Hall said the three different phases of the plan would occur consecutively.
Respond will focus on the urgent challenges and responses needed right now. Kickstart will look at the domestic market first, with a special team set up to focus on that, then move onto the international market once the borders are reopened, and Re-imagine will consider how the tourism industry can become one that gives more than it takes from communities and environment.
Bruce Moffat, General Manager of Experience Mid Canterbury, says Tourism NZ has never had a mandate to look after the domestic industry before, so he is excited to see what the task force comes up with.
He believes the Government made the right move by closing the country's borders early and says this means the international perception of New Zealand being safer than most other countries will continue.
