The Restaurant Association has welcomed the incoming Minister for Hospitality and Tourism, Hon. Louise Upston.
The first major cabinet reshuffle has moved the Hospitality and Tourism portfolio into a cabinet, with senior government minister Hon. Lousie Upston at the helm. The Restaurant Association said hospitality was key to New Zealand’s growth.
“Hospitality contributes over NZD $14 billion to the national economy, and we welcome the Prime Minister’s recognition of the importance of a strong and thriving hospitality industry to promote New Zealand’s economic growth,” said Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois.
The Restaurant Association also thanked the outgoing Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Matt Doocey, for his efforts to establish the portfolio in its first year.
“As New Zealand’s first ever Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Matt Doocey played a pivotal role in bringing the hospitality sector to the forefront of policymakers’ Minds,” said Bidois.
“We look forward to progressing the priorities and actions identified at the inaugural Hospitality Summit late last year with our new Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, to
support our industry in addressing the challenges we are facing, and taking up the opportunities before us.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that a refreshed team would focus on unleashing economic growth to make people better off, create more opportunities for business and help the country offer world-class health and education systems that New Zealanders deserve.
“Last year, we made solid progress on the economy. Inflation has fallen significantly and now a steady march of interest rate cuts are translating into real financial relief for households. Having set the building blocks for rebuilding the economy, 2025 is all about going for growth and I am refreshing my team to underline this priority,” Luxon said.
Luxon described the tourism and hospitality portfolio as a critical industry for promoting growth and employment in regional New Zealand. Hon. Louise Upston has also been appointed as Deputy Leader of the House.
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