Auckland is attracting more Kiwis to holiday at home, with a new campaign promoting domestic tourism, according to Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) chief executive Martin Snedden.

New Zealand’s $23 billion tourism industry hopes to get a much needed injection from the campaign to further stimulate the country’s domestic tourism.

Congratulating Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on the new campaign, Mr Snedden said domestic tourism is a key priority that will come under the spotlight at the 2012 TIA Summit this October.

Mr Snedden said Kiwi’s travelling at home are sometimes undervalued and taken for granted.

Contributing $36 million in economic activity every day, domestic travellers not only support jobs and wealth, but also creates healthy, vibrant communities.

“Auckland has a fantastic tourism story to tell and it is wonderful to see them out there promoting it to the rest of the country,” the chief executive said, applauding the development and transformation of the Auckland waterfront and harbour over the last couple of years.

“There are still major opportunities for the development of this area, with the potential to become the city’s heart and soul and an invaluable and enduring asset for the people of Auckland.”