$400,000 in government funding for Hurunui tourism

Hurunui Tourism is to receive $400,000 from the government’s Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP) as part of a package for Regional Tourism Organisations.

STAPP is intended to protect the assets in the tourism industry that form the core of New Zealand’s essential tourism offering, to ensure their survival through the disruption caused by COVID-19.

As part of the Government’s Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP), more than $20 million has been approved for New Zealand’s 31 Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) to address the impact of COVID-19 on Local Government revenue and the potential flow on effect as primary funders.

Hurunui Tourism Manager – Sales and Marketing, Shane Adcock says the funding provides them with the strength they need to help bring relief and support to the region’s business operators – many of whom who have been doing it really tough since the Covid-19 lockdown and international travel restrictions were put into effect.

“Tourism has always been a huge contributor to the Hurunui economy. Now that we have lost that international market, we are working hard to strengthen our offering to the domestic market.”

As a small RTO, Hurunui Tourism was eligible to receive up to $400,000.

Shane says a key part of the work ahead will involve enhancing both the domestic marketing campaign and product development opportunities, as well as providing support for businesses through industry workshops.

“We’ve got a world-renowned wine region, unrivalled mountain vistas, Hanmer Springs alpine village, incredible beaches and that genuine Kiwi hospitality that we know and love.”

“The Hurunui is a key destination in the South Island, so this funding does put us in a better position to support all the passionate operators who make our region special. It’s now about collaborating to future-proof it.”

Hurunui District Council CEO Hamish Dobbie says tourism brings more than $160 million into the region every year.

“As a council, we’re grateful for the government support, which will benefit businesses and ratepayers all over the Hurunui. We’re only as strong as our businesses operators and this support will help ensure we can get through these unprecedented times – and if anything, come out the other side even stronger and better than before.”