There's a push for more workers to help meet the demands of New Zealand's growing tourism sector.

New figures show visitor arrivals are expected to climb to 3.75 million by 2021, and by 2025, as many as 36,000 new full time tourism workers will be needed to help meet the demand.

Tourism Industry Association head Chris Roberts says the predicted growth is great news, but it also bring challenges.

He says some regions will require more workers than others, and New Zealand will also need tourism workers with Asian language skills.

Meanwhile a new $100,000 fund has been announced to help regional South Island tourism operators cash in on Chinese opportunities.

The regional economic programme initiated by Christchurch Airport will see all 15 South Island tourism organisations taking advantage of China's growing market.

The programme aims to support a minimum of two Southern tourism operators into the China market each year.

Chief commercial officer Justin Watson says the programme will especially develop new business opportunities for Southern areas outside of the high traffic tourism spots.

And China Airlines has announced it'll expand its Christchurch services.

The summer return service from Taipei to Christchurch via Sydney, was the most successful sector on the airline's global network, and next summer will now operate three times a week.

New Zealand branch general manager Shirley Yang says over summer, the estimated value of the airline's Taiwanese visitors was over $15 million.

She says they're confident the service will continue to bring thousands of new visitors and freight opportunities to the south.