Tourism industry lauds “incredible” ambassador for country’s top foreign exchange earning sector.

John Key took on the tourism portfolio in 2008 and the industry has praised his work in the role.

Tourism has this year usurped dairy as the country’s top foreign exchange earner and industry leaders say Key’s profile has helped.

“While his availability to get around the country as Tourism Minister was affected [by being PM] it would be hard to find anyone in the industry who wasn’t impressed by him,” said Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief Chris Roberts.

Previous tourism ministers had a much lower ranking in Cabinet.

He had “very capable” associate ministers who were able to support him with the detail of the portfolio.

In 2013, Key boosted Tourism New Zealand’s budget by $158 million over three years.

“The big boost to the tourism marketing budget to position New Zealand was welcome. The introduction of the border clearance levy [last year] was less welcome.”

Roberts said Key had been personally affected by the letters from relatives of people who had died in adventure tourism accidents. This had helped lead to a world standard health and safety regime.

Tourism Export Council CEO Lesley Immink said Key was a charismatic leader and “incredible” ambassador for New Zealand.

Immink said: “New Zealand is firmly positioned on the global stage as an innovative and great country to do business with, that serves to complement our spectacular tourism offerings.”