Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the boost was aimed at inspiring travellers to explore the regions. (File photo) Photo: MARIKA KHABAZI / RNZ
Four tourism campaigns aimed to attract travellers into the regions have received close $6 million in government funding.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced the latest round of the government's Regional Tourism Boost in Dunedin on Friday morning.
It is part of the government's $70 million major events and tourism package.
RotoruaNZ, in partnership with 14 other North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines, received $2.5 million to target people on Australia's east coast to the North Island.
RotoruaNZ also received just over $2 million to entice visitors from China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, after partnering up with Chinese online travel agency, Ctrip, and other North Island organisations.
WellingtonNZ received $991,000 to promote wine, food and stargazing across Wellington, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay, and Marlborough to Australians, while Great South received $393,000 to encourage Australians from the Gold Coast to explore the lower South Island.
Upston said the boost was aimed to inspire travellers to explore, stay and dine in their regions from January next year, with tailored offers, fresh itineraries and limited time deals on offer.
"Whether it's stargazing under Wairarapa's dark skies, soaking up Rotorua's geothermal wonders, sipping wine in Hawke's Bay, or discovering the wild south, there's so much for visitors to enjoy," she said.
"This funding means regions can highlight special deals on travel and accommodation and promote the hospitality making each one stand out."
Upston said there was still $10 million in contestable funding.
A second stage of investments were expected to be announced later this year, aiming to attract visitors between April and June next year.
"Our government will proudly keep backing both hospitality and tourism, promoting New Zealand experiences to overseas visitors, and building on the buzz around the Michelin Guide due to arrive next year," Upston said.
"But these campaigns are about more than promotion - they're about helping visitors feel welcome, stay longer, and explore further."
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