The Government is backing industry to build back a better, stronger and more resilient tourism sector, says Tourism Minister Peeni Henare.

'New Zealand continues to be one of the world's top tourism destinations, and with the borders open, international visitors are returning," says Henare.

"We need to support our sector to rebuild a more resilient future that leaves people, communities, and the environment better off than before."

Henare says this includes making sure the NZ tourism workforce is skilled and supported, through education, good career pathways, pay and working conditions.

'We all want tourism to be a good career option, and that starts by ensuring it is."

The Better Work plan includes the establishment of a Tourism and Hospitality Accord.

"This will be a voluntary employer accreditation scheme that identifies those businesses in tourism and hospitality who are treating their staff well," says Henare.

The minister says businesses who join the Accord will be able to demonstrate that they are good employers, which will help them to attract quality staff.

'There will be closer collaboration between industry and education providers, to ensure the right skills are being taught to fill the jobs the sector needs.

'And we will test whether employee-sharing can reduce the unstable and seasonal elements of tourism," says Henare.

'We want to turn around the negative perception – and reality for some - that working in tourism doesn't pay well and the work can be unstable and low paid. This Action Plan will help to improve conditions so that tourism is a job of choice that is fulfilling and desirable for people here and those coming from abroad."

The work to transform the tourism sector has been developed as part of the Industry Transformation Plan, a partnership between industry, unions, Maori and government.

'It is time to be excited, to look ahead to the future of the sector, and to rebuild the industry to be more resilient and more sustainable for both visitors and workers,” says Henare.

For a copy of the Better Work Action Plan and information about indicative timelines, please click here

This is the first phase of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan, announced in 2021.