Auckland’s tourism industry must be given a higher priority in plans for the city’s future, according to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).
Referring to the Draft Auckland Plan, currently being drawn up by the Auckland Council, the TIA said the vision of the city’s future should be aligned with the development of the city’s tourism economy.
Auckland is New Zealand’s main gateway for international visitors and a major tourism destination in its own right, contributing approximately NZ$3.9 billion (US$3.2 billion) per year to the local and national economy.
“Given the value of the visitor economy to the city and region, it should be given a higher profile in the final version of the Auckland Plan,” said TIA Policy Manager, Simon Wallace.
“A strong Auckland with quality visitor infrastructure and services, efficient public transport and a vibrant centre are all critical to the experience of the 70% of international visitors who arrive or depart through Auckland,” he added.
The TIA said it wants the new plan to include the construction of a national convention centre in Auckland and the upgrade and expansion of cruise facilities. Improved airport links are also crucial, according to Wallace.
“The airport itself is performing exceptionally well by international standards but it is let down by the lack of an efficient public transport link to the CBD. While a dedicated rail corridor is planned, it is not scheduled to be completed until 2031 at the earliest. This must happen earlier if Auckland is to flourish as a hub for aviation in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.
