"And while there will be a number of hoops to jump through for these schools to sign up to the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care for International Students requirements, this is very exciting as these students will need to be accompanied by family members who will provide a further boost to the economy."
Otonga Primary School principal Linda Woon said her school had three international students and she was open to accepting more. "It is more complex marketing Rotorua as a destination for international primary school students as any child under 11 years old needs to be accompanied by a guardian.
Rotorua receives about $57 million a year from international students' expenditure, according to Education New Zealand figures.
Ms Gibson said that figure had the potential to grow exponentially as the collective worked to market Rotorua as a desired education hub for international students.
Waiariki Institute of Technology international education director Graeme Rennie said exporting education was a two way street.
"The mix of cultures this initiative brings to our campus allows domestic students and staff to learn about different ways of life, adding to their learning experience as well."