7. Question No. 7—TourismHon TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) to the Minister of TourismQuestion No. 7—Tourism7. Hon TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) to the Minister of Tourism: Does he stand by his decision not to provide support to outbound tourism operators as a part of his $311 million tourism relief package?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister of Tourism): Yes. I also stand by the statements I made in the House yesterday that Minister Faafoi and I have asked officials to engage with the outbound tourism sector to gain a better understanding of their current situation so Government can make decisions on what support might be required to assist with Kiwis accessing refunds they are owed.Hon Todd McClay: Does he agree with Grant Robertson as reported in Travel Today that the outbound tourism sector falls within the tourism portfolio and if so why has he not done anything to support travel agents who are about to lose their businesses and jobs so far?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I disagree with the member's assertion that I'm not doing anything to help them. Minister Faafoi and I have asked our officials to engage with the outbound tourism operators.Hon Todd McClay: Why has he given $20 million of support to inbound tourism but no support for outbound operators and does he not think that travel agents are just as deserving of support from his Government?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I acknowledge the role that outbound tourism operators have played and the effects they're feeling from the closure of borders because of COVID19. That's why the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and I have asked for options and advice on their situation in order to help them.Hon Todd McClay: Why did he say in the House on Tuesday that no travel agents applied for the strategic asset fund when Tour Time in Auckland did submit an application and how many other travel agents applied and were declined funding?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I've been advised that four companies that are both inbound and outbound tourism operators applied and as the member is aware the $311 million package did allocate support to inbound tourism operators.Hon Todd McClay: What does he say to a travel agent named Nicola who has emailed saying Today's question 9 session with Kelvin Davis was vile and disgusting an absolute insult to myself and all travel agent industry colleagues. The comments made by Mr Davis were incredibly disrespectful and sickening"—SPEAKER: Order! The member has enough for a question.Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I have acknowledged in the House that my tone was not as it should have been and I would say that I acknowledge all the hard work that they are doing to process refunds for New Zealanders. I'd say that I understand that COVID-19 has had a huge impact on her industry and that the Government is looking at options.Hon Todd McClay: Will the Minister therefore take the opportunity in the House today on our last day to apologise to Nicola and all travel agents he has offended?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I stand by the answers I gave in the House yesterday to the questions on the same issue. As mentioned Minister Faafoi and I have asked officials to engage with the outbound tourism sector. We understand that New Zealanders are still awaiting refunds and that agents are working through that process. We need to better understand the challenges travel agents are facing with regards to refunding customers before making decisions around Government support."