As part of the Government’s Tourism Support, Recovery and Re-Set Plan, almost $27m was allocated to the 31 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) across NZ. This acknowledges the important role RTOs play in supporting the tourism sector and stimulating economic recovery.
Great South looks after Southland’s two RTOs, Visit Southland and Visit Fiordland. In August 2021 both were successful in receiving funding - a total of $1.7 million.
The funding is allocated for an approved work programme aligning to priority areas and the funds are required to be spent within 12 months (end of August 2022).
“Tourism agencies in our regions work hard behind the scenes to ensure they can deliver on their promise to visitors. We all want tourism to be sustainable, well-managed, and for everyone with a stake in the visitor economy to collaborate. The government is backing regional efforts with a new round of funding for RTOs for the coming year, to support local jobs and businesses and keep up the momentum of economic recovery.” Minister Stuart Nash
For more information on each of the Southland RTO’s work programme see below: