WELLINGTON, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government is investing 5 million NZ dollars (about 2.9 million U.S. dollars) in six initiatives to attract more international visitors to regional areas, with a focus on travelers from China.
The Regional Tourism Boost funding includes 994,902 NZ dollars for a Kiwi North food and hospitality campaign to attract more Chinese visitors to Rotorua on the North Island, and another 994,902 NZ dollars for a campaign to attract Chinese visitors to Christchurch and the South Island, a government statement said Monday.
The funding will support collaborative regional campaigns designed to attract international visitors to travel, stay and dine during spring 2026 and early summer 2027, ahead of the peak tourism season, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said in the statement.
"These campaigns will encourage visitors from Australia, North America and China to stay longer, travel further, and support local tourism and hospitality businesses," Upston was quoted as saying.
The government wants more visitors to arrive in the quieter months and travel beyond New Zealand's main gateways to experience the country's regions, Upston said.
The six campaigns will showcase regional food, wine, hospitality and visitor experiences and help spread the benefits of tourism growth to more communities across New Zealand, the statement said. ■
