Tourism minister urges councils to apply for funds
Tourism minister Matt Doocey is encouraging North Canterbury’s councils to apply for a new regional events promotion fund.
Doocey, who is also Waimakariri MP, said local tourism providers should put their hand up for a share of a new $5 million fund, which is aimed at attracting more visitors to the regions.
The fund is open to regional tourism organisations (RTO), such as Destination Kaikōura and Hurunui Tourism, and councils, such as the Waimakariri District Council, which do not have their own RTO.
It allowed for 50% ‘‘matched funding’’ to hold large events that would attract visitors into the area, Doocey said.
“It is about ensuring regional and rural New Zealand gets to experience the benefits and economic opportunities of these big events,” he said.
“The tourism and hospitality sector has an important role to play in growing our economy, particularly in our regions. To do this, we need to focus on increasing visitation across the whole country and throughout the entire year.
“As tourism minister, I cannot guarantee any favouritism to Waimakariri, but I encourage them to apply.”
Enterprise North Canterbury (ENC) chief executive Heather Warwick said she was in discussions with a couple of large event organisers in the Waimakariri district.
‘‘I will see if they want to work with ENC to put in an application under our banner as the local district tourism organisation representing Waimakariri District Council or ENC, through Visit Waimakariri, could apply for funding to promote all ticketed events in Waimakariri.’’
Destination Kaikōura manager Lisa
Bond said her organisation would be seeking more clarity around the criteria before considering an application.
The first round of applications for the Regional Events Promotion Fund is open now with decisions expected to be made by mid-June.