More than $300 million in funding has been approved to protect strategic tourism businesses, drive domestic tourism
through regional events and lift digital capability in the tourism industry, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis announced
today.
A $400 million Tourism Recovery Package was announced at Budget 2020, and with today’s announcements is now fully
allocated. The $311 million of funding announced today includes a mixture of grants of up to $500,000, and loans to
support the industry through the uncertainties brought by COVID-19.
“The package will support tourism operators of all sizes and types including Māori cultural attractions, adventure
activities, scenic tours, and zoos, aquariums and wildlife encounters across Aotearoa,” Kelvin Davis said.
The package includes:Over $230 million in grants and loans for 126 strategic tourism businesses, that could help protect the jobs of around
3,000 people directly employed in the industry.$50 million for a Regional Events Fund.$20 million inbound tour operator loan scheme.$10 million to lift digital capability in the sector.
“Through the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme, we have approved support for 126 tourism businesses
including 18 Māori tourism businesses that will help secure jobs and boost business at this incredibly tough time,”
Kelvin Davis said.
“On top of this, we’re investing $50 million in a Regional Events Fund, to help drive domestic tourism and give Kiwis
another reason to get out and explore Aotearoa.
“We’re supporting the tourism industry to help weather the storm, adapt to build new ways of working and new products,
and build a foundation that will mean we have a more sustainable tourism industry that benefits all New Zealanders in
the future.
“Our inbound tour operators are a key link between overseas wholesalers and travel sellers. We are offering the ITO
sector up to $20 million in loans so they can be prepared for when international travel resumes.
“We’re also providing $10 million that will help tourism businesses adapt to our current reality by helping them develop
digital strategies, access digital tools and benefit from the existing Digital Enablement initiatives.
“We’ve had to adapt the type of support we’re providing to make sure it was targeted, it was sustainable and had the
biggest impact possible for the long-term health of the tourism sector.
“This package aligns with our Government’s five-point plan for economic recovery, by supporting businesses, and
positioning ourselves globally, and we’re confident this lays the foundation for tourism to continue to be a key part of
New Zealand’s economy,” Kelvin Davis said.
Notes to Editors
Attached – list of successful recipients for STAPP funding who are happy to be acknowledged or contacted by media.$400 million Tourism Sector Recovery Package announced at Budget 2020:InitiativesFunds Committed to Specific ProjectsTotal Funds CommittedStrategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP)$286,397,514
Businesses
$225,199,818
Māori Businesses
Regional Tourism Organisations
$20,997,696
$20,200,000
Inbound Tourism Organisations
$20,000,000Tourism Transitions Programme$17,000,000Digital Capability
$10,000,000$10,000,000Regional Events Fund
$50,000,000$50,000,000NZ Māori Tourism
$10,000,000$10,000,000Department of Conservation Concessions Waiver
$25,000,000$25,000,000Tourism Futures Taskforce
$755,000$755,000Total Fund committed$399,152,514