Tourism funding will benefit regions

Today’s announcement of a $19.6 million Government investment in tourism infrastructure will help regions benefit from the growth in tourism, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts 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, he congratulated the successful applicants for the quality of their applications.

“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,” Mr Roberts says.

“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,” Mr Roberts says.

Less than half of the $100m available in the Tourism Infrastructure Fund has been allocated to date. The Government has yet to announce when the next funding round will open.

“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.”

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