With more than 2.3 million tourist visits to New Zealand in the year ended June 2006, the tourism industry remains New Zealand's largest foreign exchange earner.

Simpson Grierson has established a large Travel and Tourism practice to assist clients involved in this complex and labour intensive industry and the many attractions and activities that our country has to offer. Realising the competitiveness for the tourist dollar we work with our clients to add value to their business and assist them in developing safe and high quality services for their customers.

We advise on employment issues, resource planning, commercial matters, health and safety, environmental issues, financing and debt recovery, supply contracts and joint venture agreements. We also advise both in-bound and domestic travel operators on the requirements and regulations within the industry as well as the broader environmental aspects which affect the transportation of people.

The Travel & Tourism Group has considerable experience with the acquisition and sale of businesses within the industry. We also work closely with our Hotels and Events specialists on matters complementary to the travel & tourism industry.

Peter Stubbs, Partner, is Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Tourism Board.