Latest news with #TourismandHospitality
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Tourism: Luxon, Upston hope extra money gets more attention from China, Australia and the US
The Government hopes a second shot of tourism marketing dollars should get New Zealand attention overseas and attract more foreign visitors. Tourism numbers have generally lagged behind pre-Covid peaks even with borders largely reopened for three years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston today said
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Govt invests another $13.5 million in tourism
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Photo: RNZ The government has announced another multimillion-dollar funding boost for Tourism New Zealand in a bid to attract 72,000 more visitors to our shores. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said $13.5 million in funding would help to target the core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the next few years. "This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending, which is a very strong return on investment," she said. "International visitor numbers continue to climb and this boost will help drive further economic growth throughout the entire country." Less than two months ago, she announced a separate $13.5 million boost for Tourism New Zealand to fund marketing in the shorter term, with the aims of attracting an extra 23,000 international visitors by the end of March 2026 and bringing in an additional $100 million. The international visitor levy - which was nearly tripled last year - is covering the costs for both. "We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said. "We want people to know New Zealand is open for business and we welcome visitors with open arms." She described the funding as the first investment in the government's Tourism Growth Roadmap, which outlines the initiatives to help the government and industry double the value of tourism exports by 2034. "We know how important marketing is to attract visitors, with around 14 percent of international holiday visitors directly influenced by Tourism New Zealand's marketing activity," Upston said. Last year, Tourism New Zealand unveiled an ambitious strategy to grow tourism by $5 billion by attracting more visitors outside of summer over four years. It aimed to grow international tourism spend by 8.7 percent, or an additional $900 million in the strategy's first year. February marked the largest number of US visitors that New Zealand had recorded in a month. At tourism conference TRENZ last month, Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy said that had been buoyed by airlines opening up new routes, a tailwind of a strong American dollar and focused marketing, and the outlook for US visitors remained really positive.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
TIA Welcomes Milford Opportunities Project Investment And Direction
Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram, says that today's announcement on the future of the Milford Opportunities Project will be a relief for many, providing long-awaited direction for the industry and the region. In a joint announcement, Minister of Conservation, Hon Potaka, and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Upston, outlined an investment of $15.2 million to upgrade infrastructure and enhance conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while protecting the local region and its important conservation. 'Today's announcement addresses long standing uncertainty for the industry, especially for the aviation community and cruise industry and provides direction for those wishing to invest in the region,' says Ms Rebecca Ingram. 'There are a lot of things that the industry can agree on when it comes to Milford and improving the experience and safety are two of them. We have been strong advocates for a well-managed experience that is great for visitors, community, business and for the environment.' Ms Ingram said that since the project commenced in 2017, some contentious matters have needed to be considered, and the project has gone through numerous iterations. 'We look forward to working with the Department of Conservation as the proposal goes from plan into action. Over the coming days we will fully review the details and will promptly get in touch with our members to understand their views.' TIA has supported the Milford Opportunities Project and been an active participant in the process, advocating on behalf of and providing opportunities for its members to take part in each consultation phase. Ms Ingram says that this is another example of the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality making positive shifts and giving the industry momentum. 'The International Visitor Survey data released yesterday, reinforces the significant contribution tourism makes to New Zealand's economy, with spend up 9.2% to $12.2 billion for the year ending March 2025. 'The announcement is a positive step forward for the Milford region, supporting both enhancement and protection of the iconic landscape while also providing direction that will help attract investment to boost the local economy.' For more information, please see the Minister's release here: Government to protect and enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Government To Protect And Enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi
Minister of Conservation Hon Louise Upston Minister of Tourism and Hospitality The Government will invest $15.2 million into upgrading infrastructure and enhancing conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while also protecting the jewel in our conservation crown. The first tranche of decisions from the Milford Opportunities Project, announced today, also provide certainty to operators by confirming that cruise ships will continue to access the fjord, and Milford Aerodrome will be retained. 'This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland attracts more than a million visitors a year and pumps about $200 million into the regional economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes,' Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. 'For Ngāi Tahu, Piopiotahi holds special significance as the final masterpiece of atua and land-shaper Tū Te Rakiwhānoa. 'Visitors accessing the fjord via Milford Road will soon enjoy new and enhanced short stops, including an alpine nature walk in Gertrude Valley. Little Tahiti landfill will also be cleaned up and flood protection at Cleddau River will be improved. 'There will be improved amenities, including much-needed new facilities at Deepwater Basin where we are replacing the recreational boat ramp.' Funding for the improvements will come from the International Visitor Levy ($8.2 million) and the Department of Conservation's capital works programme ($7m). Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Milford Sound Piopiotahi had a key role to play in helping the country's tourism sector bounce back from the Covid hangover. 'We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord, rejecting a previous proposal to ban this. 'We know Milford Sound Piopiotahi, Mitre Peak Rahotū, the bush, the sea and the wildlife play an integral part in capturing the hearts and minds of millions of tourists dreaming of a visit to this wilderness area.' Mr Potaka said the next tranche of work would involve the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai engaging with Ngāi Tahu, and stakeholders such as local government and the tourism industry on further initiatives. 'These include collaborating on investment opportunities along Milford corridor, developing a multi-year investment plan for the area, and considering improved planning tools, such as a Special Amenities Area within Fiordland National Park.' Note: The Milford Opportunities Project feasibility business case, supporting reports and Cabinet paper are available on the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai website:
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Supercars For The South Island
Press Release – New Zealand Government For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and Im thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year, Tourism and Hospitality … Minister for Tourism and Hospitality A second round of the hugely successful Supercars events will be held in Christchurch from next year with support from the Government's Major Events Fund. 'For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year,' Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. 'The Government is investing $5.9 million from the Major Events Fund to support Supercars events in both Taupō and Christchurch for the next three years. 'This means international – and domestic – visitors can attend back-to-back rounds across consecutive weekends in Taupō and Christchurch, allowing them to extend their stay and enjoy more of what New Zealand has to offer. 'It was fantastic to be part of the estimated 50,000 strong crowd at the recent ITM Supercars440 event in Taupō. The place was buzzing with people in town to enjoy one of the most popular Trans-Tasman motorsport events. 'We know the 2024 event generated significant economic and tourism benefits for the Taupō region and New Zealand with more than 3,300 international visitors attending and spending more than $5.2 million while here. Not to mention the invaluable exposure in key tourism markets with a total broadcast reach of 246 million, including 3.9 million in Australia. 'I'm pleased that with this investment New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupō and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings.' Supercars Ltd has selected Ruapuna Motorsport Park, Christchurch as the host venue for the South Island round.
