Hospo NZ welcomes regional tourism funding boost

A funding boost for regional tourism initiatives is being welcomed by Hospitality New Zealand.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has confirmed that six regional tourism organisations will receive a total of $3 million through the Regional Tourism Boost contestable fund. This will be used for short, sharp campaigns to encourage tourists to travel beyond traditional hot spots and see more of New Zealand. 

The Regional Tourism Boost contestable fund opened in February with applicants encouraged to collaborate to attract more international visitors to their wider regions over autumn and winter.

It’s part of Tourism Boost, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support an immediate growth in visitor numbers.

The successful bids are:

• $600,000 for a top of the North initiative led by RotoruaNZ

• $600,000 for a central North Island and Nelson / Marlborough initiative led by WellingtonNZ

• $600,000 for a central South Island initiative led by ChristchurchNZ for a winter-focused marketing campaign

• $170,000 for a top of the South initiative led by Development West Coast

• $350,000 for a lower South Island initiative led by Great South

• $680,000 for a nation-wide initiative, led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, focused on the North American market.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says: “This investment in regional tourism is a smart move that will bring tangible benefits to our hospitality and accommodation operators during the traditionally quieter autumn and winter months.

“We’re especially pleased to see a strong focus on collaboration between tourism organisations, local councils and communities. This is exactly what’s needed to showcase the depth and diversity of experiences visitors can enjoy across New Zealand.”