The Government has announced a $400 million targeted Tourism Recovery Fund as the industry struggles through what's being called the worst crisis in its history, COVID-19.
The fund will sit alongside an extension of the wage subsidy scheme and a domestic tourism campaign.
"This targeted package will go over and above the Government's broad-based support of businesses and workers and reflects the importance of tourism to Aotearoa, our economy and our people," Tourism minister, Kelvin Davis said.
Unwrapping the package:
- Tourism Transitions Programme
Designed to deliver advice and support for businesses that need to move their focus towards the domestic and Australian market. - Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme
Some of our key tourism assets, attractions and amenities, which play a vital part in our domestic tourism industry and brand are at risk. This fund will identify those strategic assets and provide them with the protection and assistance they need to not be lost. - New Zealand Futures Tourism Taskforce
This will be a public-private taskforce set up to lead the thinking on the future of tourism in New Zealand. It will consist of cross-Government and tourism sector representatives and will prioritise both current and future issues that will shape and impact tourism. - Customer Insight
Tourism New Zealand will provide customer insight and views of overseas market conditions to help businesses make decisions about their futures. NZ Māori Tourism will also be supported through this fund. - Tourism Recovery Ministers Group
This will be established to oversee the rebuilding of the industry with MPs from across ministries including tourism, finance, Māori development, conservation and regional economic development.
"There were strong calls for further support for staff costs, the extension to the wage subsidy scheme announced today will also help businesses cover staffing costs and protect jobs, while we ramp up a domestic tourism campaign," said Davis.
"Tourism New Zealand has this week begun work to showcase New Zealand on social media promoting safe travel to New Zealanders. Further domestic activity will roll out soon, including a nationwide campaign."
