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Tourism's role as the number one export dollar earner makes sense for Wairarapa.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says tourism industry data shows the partnership between the government and the Wairarapa tourism operators is paying off, with foreign and domestic visitors generating extra income.
Ms Beyer says that around 73 tourism accommodation providers report data in the areas covered by the Wairarapa councils.
The number of local reported guest nights has increased by 18 percent, from around 203,164 in the year to May 2000, to around 240,000 in the year to this May.
"International visitors last year spent nearly $7.5b in New Zealand - an average of more than $3300 each - earning more foreign exchange than the dairy industry."
Spending across the Wellington region by international visitors is forecast to increase by 85 percent from $431m in 2002 to $797m by 2009.
"Every dollar spent by a visitor, be they Kiwi or Korean, helps create extra jobs and boosts returns across our region."
Ms Beyer said the growth of tourism from big fish to whale is no fluke.
"In 2001, the Government got the public and private sectors working together for the first time on a vision for the future. We want to balance economic gains with preserving our environment - that's a prime drawcard for international visitors."
The just-launched Tourism Planning Toolkit helps local authorities to evaluate and plan tourism opportunities.
"We're encouraging visitors to come year round and to visit lesser known areas. More than three million international visitors are predicted by the end of the decade. Our challenge is to continue to attract our share - and ensure visitors leave only their footprints and with a wish to return," said Ms Beyer.
Data source: Tourism Research Council of New Zealand: www.trcnz.govt.nz
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