Another round of funding for struggling tourism operators.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has laid out how the remaining money from the Government's tourism recovery package in the Budget will be spent.
126 strategic tourism businesses will get over $230 million in grants and loans while there's also $50 million for a Regional Events Fund.
$20 million is for an inbound tour operator loan scheme and $10 million to lift the sector's digital capabilities.
He’s also announced a new task force to deal with the sector's ongoing challenges while our borders remain closed to visitors, with the aim to lead the thinking on the future of tourism in New Zealand, as well as advise on changes to improve the industry.
However, Tourism Industry Aotearoa CEO Chris Roberts wants to see more cash grants for struggling smaller businesses.
He told Francesca Rudkin that the funding applies more to larger businesses.
"For the smaller businesses, a cash grant of $40 t0 $50,000 would have been hugely appreciated to get them through the next six months and meet those other costs that they can't avoid."
He says while many operators reported a fantastic school holiday period - it's a long wait until the next round of holidays.
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