Rotorua MP Todd McClay has today welcomed the announcement made by Prime Minister John Key, of a further $20 million in funding for tourism in 2009/2010. This brings the total annual spend on tourism marketing nationwide to $89 million.

Mr. McClay said the increase could not have come at a better time for Rotorua with trans-Tasman flight between Rotorua and Sydney scheduled to start on 12th December. This extra tourism money is good news for tourism in Rotorua, especially with the anticipated increase in tourists from Australia.

Of the $20 million, $5 million will be earmarked for Tourism New Zealand to carry out joint venture work with the private sector and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO).

This will benefit Rotorua’s RTO, Destination Rotorua, which is the portal in promoting the regional uniqueness of Rotorua under the 100% Pure New Zealand banner.

Mr. McClay said that he would be pushing for a greater say in how the money would be spent for the private sector so that companies like airlines, hotels and local tourism operators could work together with government to increase the volume of tourism in Rotorua.

“Lakes, mountains, culture and friendly people - Rotorua has it all," Mr McClay said. "Now all we need to do is make sure that Australians know they will be welcome in Rotorua and this additional tourism related funding will help us achieve this," he said.

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