Media Release 6 March 2008

New Zealand Wellness Tourism Symposium to be launched in Nelson

A new symposium setting the scene for the strategic development of wellness tourism in New Zealand is scheduled to run in Nelson later this year.

The two-day September event is being planned by a committee comprising the Nelson Wellness Cluster, Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency, Nelson Tasman Tourism and professional conference organisers onCue.

NZ Wellness Tourism Symposium spokesperson Birgit Neumann said planning had been underway for some time for the event, which would be MC-d by Aviation, Tourism and Travel Training Organisation (ATTTO) chief executive Elizabeth Valentine.

The symposium’s aim was to examine the strategic direction for wellness tourism development in New Zealand and see the formation of a national network or association, Ms Neumann said.

“Wellness Tourism has been on the radar for a number of national organisations, regions and businesses for some time now. This symposium is about getting everyone together to examine the market, what’s happening now, and plan for the future.”

Spa and wellness tourism is a multi billion dollar industry internationally. NZTE is currently carrying out a feasibility study to address New Zealand’s position in the global industry.

Regional tourism organisations, tourism operators, marketing consultants and wellness experience and product suppliers would be invited to attend the symposium, which would see delegates ‘step into’ the wellness experience as well as explore the economic development opportunities for their business and New Zealand, Ms Neumann said.

A draft programme and sponsorship profile opportunities are available online at www.wellnesstourismnz.com.

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