Political leaders from all the major parties will attend the 2011 Tourism Summit in Wellington next month.
Bill English, Phil Goff, Russel Norman, Pita Sharples and Don Brash are expected to attend the summit on Wednesday July 13, along with about 200 industry leaders.
The event is organised by the Tourism
Industry Association and chief executive Tim Cossar said an election year meant there would be strong political representation and it was an ideal opportunity to present feedback from the association's recent roadshow to develop its election manifesto.
''Rarely does a conference get a senior line-up of politicians like this. It will be a great opportunity for delegates to question the leaders on their plans and policies for the tourism industry.''
Speakers include New Zealander of the Year 2010 Sir Ray Avery, All Whites (football) coach Ricki Herbert and Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy.
Cossar said the Tourism Summit would also stimulate high-level discussion and debate on strategic issues affecting the industry and develop potential solutions to overcome challenges and capitalise on opportunities.
''We will also have a panel of experts lead discussion about the future of tourism, including the impact of recent shocks such as natural disasters and the upheaval in the Middle East.''
■ Registration for the Tourism Summit 2011 is available at the Tourism Industry Association website www.tianz.org.nz
