Government invests millions in regional tourism initiatives.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced a $2.45 million funding pool for regional tourism organisations as part of the Regional Events Promotion Fund's second round. This move aims to drive economic growth by encouraging visitors to explore regions outside main cities and peak periods.
The Government is investing heavily in the tourism sector, with recent allocations including $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as a "go now" destination for Australians, $30 million for conservation visitor experiences, and $9 million for Great Rides cycle infrastructure. The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy has also contributed $3 million to secure more business events.
The first round of funding saw 132 approved events and allocated $2.375 million. Applications are now open for the second round, with decisions expected in May 2025. Minister Upston believes this initiative will help showcase New Zealand's attractions and reinforce its position as a popular tourist destination. With tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs, the sector is seen as crucial to economic growth.
The second round of funding is designed to support regions that traditionally have low volumes of domestic tourists, with events aimed at driving spending and activity in local communities. As Minister Upston said, "New Zealand tourism is open for business."