Tourism grant of $400k to support local operators

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

TAIRAWHITI tourism has been handed a funding boost to attract more visitors.

The regional tourism organisation, Trust Tairawhiti, was awarded a $400,000 grant from the $26 million Tourism Communities Plan announced by the Government in May.

“It's great to see the Government supporting tourism in the regions,” Trust Tairawhiti regional tourism manager Adam Hughes said.

“All businesses across the sector have been impacted by Covid-19, and by providing this additional funding directly to Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), it means we can better support our local operators.

“The funding will go towards our destination management planning, which captures both the impacts and opportunities the visitor economy brings to Tairawhiti. This plan is not just about working with tourism operators but taking a more holistic approach by working with iwi, the council and our local communities.

“The funding will also be used to support Maori tourism product development, building industry capability and a significant regional marketing campaign. The campaign will be aimed at attracting domestic visitors from Labour Weekend through to Easter next year, as well as promoting some of the major events in Tairawhiti during that period.”

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash confirmed the allocation of funds to 31 RTOs earlier this week.

“Domestic tourism is experiencing a boom as Kiwis take the opportunity to ‘do something new' and see more of their own backyard,” he said.

“Tourism agencies in our regions work hard behind the scenes to ensure they can deliver on their promise to visitors. We all want tourism to be sustainable, well-managed, and for everyone with a stake in the visitor economy to collaborate.

“The Government is backing regional efforts with a new round of funding for RTOs for the coming year, to support local jobs and businesses and keep up the momentum of economic recovery.”