TIA supports the development of the Kiwi tourism workforce while recognising the essential role of overseas workers where there are skill shortages and where there are few New Zealanders ready and available for the work required. The seasonal nature of tourism and the remote places where tourism can take place means that some overseas workers are needed. 

To enable this, and to ensure the processes work effectively for operators and the workers themselves, TIA advocates for flexible immigration settings that cater for tourism workforce needs in the context of factors such as specialist skill shortages, seasonal patterns and the location of the jobs. 

We advocate for timely and efficient visa processing that meets the operational needs of the industry. 

TIA is well positioned to raise concerns and to promote changes to immigration setting with the appropriate authorities. For instance, recent TIA submissions on the visa price increase and the review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa Scheme.