Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Chris Roberts says he is confident National's new line-up will continue to engage with New Zealand's beleaguered tourism industry, despite its tourism spokesperson Todd McClay dropping 15 places down the party list to an "unranked" position of 22, outside of the shadow cabinet.
"Tourism spokesman Todd McClay has held the portfolio for the last five years, is a regular visitor to the TIA offices and as MP for Rotorua, has first-hand knowledge of how tourism is faring. Associate Tourism spokesman Joseph Mooney is from Queenstown Lakes and also has strong tourism connections," Roberts said.
The TIA CEO says National's new leader's previous job means he knows all too well the importance of tourism for Aotearoa.
"Christopher Luxon was a TIA board member for three years while he headed Air New Zealand and has in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry and its stakeholders," he said.
The Government has been under pressure from the tourism sector, with accusations it hasn't done enouoh to keep the industry afloat, despite the absence of international tourism.
"The Government has acknowledged that the tourism industry was the first to bear the brunt of keeping New Zealanders safe, and will be the last industry to recover. There have been various steps taken, some more successful than others, to support struggling operators and regions," Roberts said.
