The growing strength of Maori tourism ventures is being seen as a way to develop rangitahi, as well as providing experiences for visitors.
More than 50 companies ready to take their business to the international market attended a recent trade day in Auckland pitched at inbound tour operators.
Maori Tourism Board acting chair Dale Stephens said the tourism businesses, ranging from small operations to large companies, all wanted to get Maori youth involved.
"They are the future of the country, they have a real role to play in presenting New Zealand in a such a great light to visitors."
Mr Stephens said it was important companies looked at succession planning.
"Bringing in Maori youth through tourism training, tertiary qualifications in this field and getting them multilingual, not just in Maori but also in other languages as well, so they can become the key interface between tourists and people at home."
Mr Stephens said the future was looking very bright for tourism and it was seen as a great career path for rangitahi.
He said when people understood a bit more the psyche of Maori businesses it was easier to understand the interest in helping young people.
"It is as much about providing opportunities for the rangitahi, the youth coming through as it is about providing experiences for our visitors and providing food for our tables."
