Funding to attract overseas visitors and improve tourism infrastructure will be increased as part of New Zealand’s new Tourism Growth Roadmap.
“We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said in a statement.
“International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big-ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation.”
“The government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.”
For the 2025/26 financial year, $6 million will be allocated to international marketing targeting emerging tourism markets and $3 million will be dedicated to boosting the number of business events held in New Zealand.
An extra $5 million will be added to the Major Events Fund.
“These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor,” Upston said.
Upston also noted that the recent tourism funding has primarily focused on increasing visitor numbers. As these higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will gradually shift its focus toward helping communities manage and care for visitors effectively.
The funding is sourced from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy, which is applied to most international visitors. The levy ensures that visitors contribute to the public services, facilities, and natural environment they benefit from during their stay in New Zealand.