Tourism funding will benefit New Zealand's regions

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has welcomed this week’s announcement by the New Zealand Government of a $19.6 million investment in regional tourism infrastructure.

TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts (pictured) says the grants from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will help communities provide fantastic experiences for both New Zealand and international visitors.

As a member of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund panel which considered the applications and made recommendations to the Minister, Roberts congratulated the successful applicants for the quality of their applications.

He advised “the funded projects may be for basic facilities like toilets and carparks, however, in many cases there were clear links to a wider vision for tourism development in the region.

“Tourism in New Zealand is continuing to grow and our visitors are venturing further off the beaten track. If the regions have the infrastructure they need to support tourism, visitors will be encouraged to stay longer and spend more with local businesses, so everybody benefits.”

With less than half of the $100 million available in the Tourism Infrastructure Fund allocated to date, the Government has yet to announce when the next funding round will open.

Roberts added “TIA strongly encourages councils and community groups to put in applications to the next funding round. Take advantage of the opportunity to secure investment for good projects that will support the growth of tourism in your communities.”