Visit strengthens ties to United States

United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Mark Gilbert ans his wife Nancy with Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick.

A visit from New Zealand's American Ambassador could strengthen tourism ties between Rotorua and the USA.

The new United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Mark Gilbert, was in Rotorua over the weekend to meet with mayor Steve Chadwick, Destination Rotorua chief executive Mark Rawson and Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels.

Ambassador Gilbert wanted to use the trip as an opportunity to talk about tourism links between the United States and Rotorua, and also to learn about Rotorua's tourism industry.

As part of his visit Ambassador Gilbert and his wife Nancy were given a private tour of the Rotorua Museum and a guided tour of Te Puia.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said the ambassador showed a strong interest in Rotorua's tourism offering and was impressed with the visitor attractions he inspected.

"He was particularly interested in our cultural facilities and the way our unique Maori heritage and living culture are so accessible for visitors to experience.

"We were delighted to have the opportunity to establish links with Ambassador Gilbert. Having an advocate for our city in the US Embassy could potentially help open new doors to the important American tourist market," said Mrs Chadwick.

"The ambassador said he was looking forward to returning in the future, when he had more time, to see more of our city and the district's attractions."

President Barack Obama nominated Ambassador Gilbert as United States Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa on 6 January 2014 and the US Senate confirmed his appointment on 12 December. He was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden on 7 January 2015.

Ambassador Gilbert presented his credentials to New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae in Wellington earlier this year.

He formerly served as managing director of UBS, the culmination of a distinguished career in finance which included positions at Barclays and Goldman Sachs. From 2009 to 2013 he served as the Deputy National Finance Chair for the Democratic National Committee.