Another cash lifeline will be rolled out in the regions after funding for a variety of events and activities aimed at stimulating domestic tourism is approved.

Contracts have now been signed with all nine regional tourism boards to enable the $ 50 million fund to be distributed to regional events across the country.

“Tour operators and tourism companies from Northland to Southland will benefit from the events listed on the plans of their regional organizations,” said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

“Events drive visitors, which has economic implications for housing, hospitality, and tourism and retail. The Regional Events Fund was part of the government’s $ 400 million tourism recovery package.

“The Regional Events Fund not only stimulates the local economy, but also strengthens the regions’ know-how in the field of event management and the development of event strategies.”

Prior to COVID-19, around 60 percent ($ 24 billion) of tourism spending came from domestic travelers getting off and experiencing their own garden. Kiwis spent an additional $ 9 billion on international travel each year.

“We’re working to catch some of that spending while our borders remain closed to protect us from the global pandemic,” says Nash.

“Recent research by Tourism NZ has also shown that a regional event such as a festival, concert, exhibition, sporting event or food and drink experience is a major attraction for Kiwis planning a domestic vacation.

“After the funding of tourism events for all regions has been approved, each regional grouping can proceed with the planning and implementation of their proposal. The regions will decide how to spend their own funds and will work together not to compete against each other. ”

The first investment plan was approved in December, which confirmed $ 3.75 million for four regional tourism organizations working together as the Thermal Explorer Highway group.

Destination Rotorua, Destination Great Lake Taupō, Visit Ruapehu, Hamilton and Waikato Tourism are working together to create a fund that will focus on developing, securing or improving new and existing events to become cult or anchor events for the regions .

It will also aid the capability development of the broader ecosystem of events in the Thermal Explorer area.

“The Southern Lakes Group, which received US $ 8.5 million, is calling on tourism companies to apply for support from their contestable fund. This means there are even more reasons to visit Queenstown, Wanaka, Central Otago and Fiordland, ”says Nash.

“Northland and Auckland, which received the largest investment, will use their $ 19 million to raise funds for major major and business events that complement existing programs and strategies in Auckland and Northland.

“Foodies could flock to Hawke’s Bay as the region wants to develop a seasonal calendar for events that focus on food.

“Wellington and Wairarapa are also working together to give Kiwis more reasons to visit all year round. Nelson and Marlborough want to increase attendance through multi-day events.

“Overall, we can expect a number of exciting activities and events that will entice New Zealanders to travel between regions starting this fall. Work to support and rebuild the tourism and hospitality industries continues.

“The government is investing heavily in promoting domestic tourism and directly supporting tourism companies to drive economic recovery,” said Nash.

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