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A slowing economy and stagnant visitor growth are focusing tourism operators on lifting their competitiveness, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says."In order to compete with other tourism businesses at a local level and to compete with other international visitor destinations, tourism operators must find new ways to attract visitors, encourage them to stay longer and spend more," TIA Acting Chief Executive Oscar Nathan says.Tourism currently accounts for 18.3% ($8.8 billion) of New Zealand's total export earnings - ahead of dairy ($7.3 billion). But international visitor expenditure grew only 0.2% in the year to March 2007.The Tourism Industry Conference 2008 will take a hard look at the world economy and its impacts on New Zealand's tourism industry. The conference takes place at the Christchurch Convention Centre, 4-5 August.Respected business commentator Rod Oram and Westpac Chief Economist Brendan O'Donovan will discuss their views of where the economy is heading and how tourism operators can achieve a sustainable future.Mr O'Donovan notes that tourism is holding up relatively well, with visitor growth of 1.3% in the last 12 months. Visitor numbers from traditional northern hemisphere markets continue to languish, but are being offset by growth from Australia and emerging markets. Length of stay is extending but the high currency has hit average spend, he says. His conference presentation will discuss how the myriad of influences may evolve over coming years.Other conference speakers looking at trends in the tourism sector will include Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton (international tourism) and AA Tourism General Manager Peter Blackwell (domestic tourism). Australian tourism consultant Tony Charters will offer insights into the issues, challenges and opportunities facing tourism in the South Pacific region. For further information and to view the Conference programme, go to www.nztourismconference.co.nz.The conference will culminate with the announcement of the winners of the Tourism Industry Awards 2008 at a special celebration evening on Tuesday 5 August. For further information, go to www.tourismawards.co.nz The Tourism Industry Conference is managed by TIA as agent of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, with support from key industry partners.Key statistics about tourism: Tourism is the world's fastest growing industry New Zealand tourism arrivals have increased by 61% since 1999 to 2.4 million Forecast annual growth is 4% on average for at least the next five years Tourism is New Zealand's single largest export sector. International visitors contributed $8.8 billion dollars to the economy in the year ended March 2007. That is 18.3% of exports Domestic tourism contributes $11.3 billion to the economy each year Tourism directly and indirectly employs 9.7% of the work force. That is one in 10 jobs in New Zealand. Tourism directly and indirectly contributes 9.2% ($14.1 billion) of gross domestic product and generates $605 million in GST returns from international visitors each year. Tourism is the only export sector whose international clients pay GST.