Within the first 100-days of the new government's term, the "Buy New Zealand Made" advertising campaign was quite rightly suspended.
A recent study by the University of Otago vindicated this decision and concluded what we already know. The public "feels good" about these types of campaigns, but are unwilling to open their wallets to support the concept.
In other words, the $11.5 million "do as I say" pet project of the Green Party had little effect on consumer behaviour.
Now we have another example of a "Business Tourism leader" that is unaware of a change of government. Alan Trotter is CEO of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) has decided to start his own campaign and is demanding that New Zealanders support "Kiwi Made."
Alan Trotter last hit the headlines by publicly whinging that a few government departments were canceling conferences. His self-serving reasoning was not that the conferences were necessary, but that the government should be supporting the conference industry....by having conferences.
Instead of nannying about and demanding that the public must buy Kiwi Made, our "Tourism Leaders" should be ensuring that their members are able to flourish in an environment of minimal state intervention. And ensure their members have access to tools to improve economic efficiencies and productivity.
Demand for local tourism product will not improve through nationalism, but by the innovation, competitiveness and efficiencies of the tourism businesses operating in New Zealand.
Our Tourism leaders should be encouraging its members to make their product so dam sexy that Kiwis will not want to leave home!
14 April 2009
Press Release
www.meetings.co.nz
Business Tourism leader Alan Trotteris calling for New Zealanders to support ‘Kiwi Made’ and conference within New Zealand instead of heading overseas.
“Travel and conference budgets have tightened due to the current economic climate, but conferences and meetings are still an integral part of business and are still happening, albeit it with tighter purses strings,” says Mr Trotter, CEO of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).
“It’s the perfect opportunity for local corporates to make the most of the diverse range of conference product available within New Zealand. This way they are pumping much needed money back into the local economy while supporting New Zealand businesses at the same time.”
Mr Trotter adds that CINZ is still working hard to attract the international conference dollar to New Zealand shores, particularly from the lucrative Australian market sitting right on our doorstep, but says New Zealanders need to conference at home to help the industry through these challenging economic times.
“ New Zealandhas a sound conference infrastructure right throughout the country and it’s imperative we work hard to support this solid base. Not only keeping it going but injecting enough money in so infrastructure can continue to be improved for the future. Looking ahead the economy will improve and international conferencing will return – and with a vengeance - so New Zealandmust be prepared and not left on the back foot.”
Conference and incentive business is worth $1 billion dollars a year to the New Zealand economy, with domestic conferencing making up 80 percent of this figure.
Mr Trotter is inviting local corporates along to MEETINGS 2009, CINZ’s annual business tourism expo that is being held on July 21, 22 and 23 at SKYCITYAuckland Convention Centre.
“The expo showcases a diverse range of New Zealand’s key destinations, venues, products and services for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive travel programmes and is perfect for anyone planning a business tourism event,” he says.
In an effort to attract even more corporate buyers to the show, this year for the first time the expo is opening early, exclusively for Day Buyers.
“We are opening half a day earlier than usual to give Day Buyers an opportunity for dedicated time with exhibitors on Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm in an appointment free setting,” says Jeanette Stanton, Event Manager.
Ms Stanton adds that feedback from previous years indicated Day Buyers wanted dedicated time to meet with exhibitors instead of them trying to slot in around exhibitors’ appointment times.
“Day Buyers can also still attend the show on Wednesday and Thursday during opening hours if they want. Millennium Hotels & Resorts are once again supporting MEETINGS 2009 and will offer hosted luncheons to Day Buyers on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Exhibitor numbers at MEETINGS 2009 are expected to exceed 170.
For more information visit www.meetings.co.nz
MEETINGS 2009 is New Zealand’s only annual national convention and incentive tradeshow and is hosted by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).
Source: Click HERE
