Six new regional initiatives in New Zealand aim to increase international visitor numbers with $3 million in funding.
Regional Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced support for six successful tourism projects across the country. The initiatives, ranging from the North Island to the South Island, will receive a total of $3 million for short-term campaigns targeting international markets, including Australia and North America. Key regions set to benefit include Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, West Coast, Great South, and Auckland.
The funding is part of the Tourism Boost contestable fund, which was launched in February with a focus on increasing visitor numbers during autumn and winter months. Minister Upston stated that the regional activity will boost tourism and drive economic growth, aligning with the government's goal to support immediate growth in visitor numbers. The initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on local businesses, from cafes to accommodations and attractions.
The successful bids include:
* $600,000 for RotoruaNZ's top of the North initiative
* $600,000 for WellingtonNZ's central North Island and Nelson / Marlborough initiative
* $600,000 for ChristchurchNZ's central South Island winter-focused marketing campaign
* $170,000 for Development West Coast's top of the South initiative
* $350,000 for Great South's lower South Island initiative
* $680,000 for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's nation-wide North American market campaign