A proposed law to "Monday-ise" Waitangi Day and Anzac Days when they fall on weekends will stimulate domestic tourism, the lobbying Tourism Industry Association New Zealand says.
The Holidays Amendment Bill was drawn last week from the Private Members' Bill ballot and will go to a select committee if it wins enough cross-party support.
"In the current tight economic environment, everyone needs a holiday, but it's getting harder to take time off work," association policy and research manager Simon Wallace said in a statement.
"More long weekends that give Kiwis a chance for short breaks is the ideal solution. It would also encourage regions to hold more events, which are also a great way of attracting visitors."
The association's Tourism Future Statement "The Visitor Economy: Creating Wealth" released last year, called on the Government to "Monday-ise" Waitangi Day and Anzac Day when they fall on a weekend. New Zealanders lost three public holidays in 2010 and 2011 when they fell on a Saturday or Sunday.
"It would be a huge boost to domestic tourism which pours $36 million a day into communities across New Zealand," Mr Wallace said.
"Domestic visitors are also the mainstay of many tourism businesses, contributing $13.2 billion of the tourism industry's total annual $23 billion earnings and supporting hundreds of jobs."
