Government invests $3 million in tourism data research.
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey announced a significant investment of around $3 million to fund critical research and surveys for the tourism and hospitality sector on December 12, 2024. The goal is to fill gaps in data, supporting informed decision-making and planning.
The government's funding will support four key research projects: a domestic visitor survey, a tourism sentiment survey, new research into tourism volumes and flows, and insights into hospitality and restaurant spending. This investment was recommended by the Tourism Data Leadership Group's strategic business plan, endorsed by the Minister in July.
The project aims to improve decision-making, identify trends, and create opportunities for job growth and sector expansion. The data will be used to strengthen the tourism data system, essential for the growth of the sector. Restaurant Association of New Zealand, working with Hospitality NZ, will receive funding to develop hospitality and restaurant spending insights as part of the Tourism Data Partnership Fund.
Commercial negotiations for the data procurements are currently underway, and the government is considering its investment options for the remaining allocation from the Tourism Data Partnership Fund.