Home » TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES » New Zealand Invests Seventy Million Dollars to Boost its Tourism and Events, Attracting Global Events and Regional Visitor Growth

Published on
September 15, 2025

The New Zealand Government has launched a $70 million package of investments intended to substantially grow the country’s events and tourism sectors. The huge investment is intended to entice large-scale international events, sustain current events, and stimulate regional tourism development, especially by persuading overseas tourists to visit New Zealand’s varied regions. The funding package involves a mix of new finance and widened eligibility for already available funding, making it a revolutionary shift for New Zealand’s tourism and events sector.

Attracting Major Events to New Zealand

One of the key objectives of the investment package is to attract large-scale international events to New Zealand starting from 2026. The $40 million Events Attraction Fund will be used to secure major sporting events, concert tours, and cultural festivals, bringing global attention to New Zealand. The government is focused on ensuring that New Zealand can compete with other event-hosting countries, such as Australia, for the opportunity to host international performances and spectacles.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlighted that this new initiative will allow New Zealand to attract top-tier performers, including artists who have previously bypassed the country in favor of multi-city Australia tours, such as Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. This funding ensures that New Zealand will be better equipped to host international artists, keeping the country at the forefront of global events.

Strengthening Regional Tourism Through Increased Air Connectivity

The government’s plan also includes a Regional Tourism Boost Campaign with a $10 million budget. The campaign will focus on promoting New Zealand’s regional destinations and creating more awareness of the country’s lesser-known gems. While Auckland and Queenstown are established as major tourism hubs, the campaign will work to drive visitor traffic to other regions, such as Wellington, Dunedin, and Hawke’s Bay, ensuring that tourists are encouraged to explore all that New Zealand has to offer.

Increased regional air connectivity and the development of local tourism infrastructure are key components of this campaign. The initiative is expected to distribute tourism spending more equally, ensuring that regions outside of the most popular destinations also benefit from tourism.

Aiming to Compete with Australia’s Tourism Infrastructure

With this $70 million investment, New Zealand is positioning itself to compete with Australia, particularly in attracting large-scale global acts and international events. New Zealand and Australia are competing in the global tourism market, and this initiative will help New Zealand gain an edge in attracting top-tier events to the region. As Queensland and Sydney remain major hubs for international performances, New Zealand’s investment will create a strong competitive advantage, making it a more attractive option for global tourism and entertainment industries.

Economic Impact: Tourism Growth and Job Creation

The tourism sector is already a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy, generating approximately $17 billion annually and supporting around 200,000 jobs. With the $70 million investment, the country is ensuring tourism continues to be a driving force in its economic growth. The influx of international tourists due to new events, along with improved infrastructure, is expected to increase tourism revenue, create more job opportunities, and further diversify New Zealand’s economy.

The growth in tourism spending will be spread across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, retail, and event management, with local businesses benefiting from the increased tourist footfall and spending in various regions. The increase in demand for accommodation, restaurants, and tourism services will lead to job creation in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Enhancing New Zealand’s Global Tourism Profile

In addition to driving economic benefits, the new investment aims to boost New Zealand’s profile as a tourism destination on the global stage. With increased promotion, international media coverage, and collaborations with international partners, New Zealand is setting itself up for success in the long-term tourism landscape. Events secured through the Events Attraction Fund will ensure New Zealand remains competitive with other leading global destinations, allowing the country to attract top-tier performers and cultural events year after year.

The Road to Visit New Zealand 2026

As New Zealand prepares for Visit New Zealand 2026, the tourism industry is focusing on building a diverse range of offerings that appeal to various types of travelers. The country’s stunning natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure make it an appealing destination for both adventure tourism and luxury travel. The government is working closely with local businesses and tourism stakeholders to ensure that New Zealand offers memorable experiences for international tourists, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices.

A Bright Future for New Zealand’s Tourism Industry

With the $70 million injection announced to fund New Zealand’s events and tourism industry, the nation is advancing aggressively to make itself a leader in world tourism. By hosting big international events, driving regional tourism, and creating sustainable tourism infrastructure, New Zealand is securing a prosperous future for its tourism sector. This strategic move will ensure New Zealand continues to be among the world’s most desirable destinations for international visitors and tourism investors, building long-term growth and prosperity.