Home » New Zealand Travel News » Tourism And Event Industries Of New Zealand Is Set For A Major Growth With Million Dollar Investments To Attract Global Tourists
Published on
September 14, 2025
The Government of New Zealand has announced an ambitious $70 million investment package aimed at revitalizing the country’s events and tourism sectors. This significant funding initiative will serve to attract top-tier international acts, assist with the development of ongoing events, and promote regional tourism growth throughout the country. The move is a strategic response to the growing competition with Australia and a push to place New Zealand on the global events map.
The $70 Million Investment Package
The investment package introduced by the New Zealand Government comprises a mix of new funding and expanded criteria for existing financial programs. Central to this package are several key components designed to address different aspects of the tourism and events industries. These include a $40 million Events Attraction Fund, a $10 million Events Boost Fund, another $10 million for Regional Tourism Boost Campaign, and up to $10 million allocated for tourism infrastructure upgrades.
Events Attraction Fund: This fund, valued at $40 million, will focus on securing large-scale international events for New Zealand, starting from 2026 onwards. The fund’s primary objective is to bring in major international performances, conferences, and sporting events, ensuring that New Zealand does not miss out on global attention.Events Boost Fund: With a total of $10 million, this fund will be used to provide assistance to existing events in the country while also attracting new global opportunities. This funding aims to support the development of events that already have a strong following, further enhancing their appeal to international visitors.Regional Tourism Boost Campaign: Another $10 million has been allocated to bolster tourism efforts outside the major metropolitan areas. The campaign seeks to increase the number of international visitors to New Zealand’s regions, helping spread the benefits of tourism more evenly across the country.Tourism Infrastructure Upgrades: Up to $10 million will be used for tourism infrastructure projects, which will play a vital role in improving the experience for tourists and event-goers. These investments will ensure that New Zealand’s venues and attractions are well-equipped to handle the influx of visitors expected from the events.The Need for International Events in New Zealand
In recent years, New Zealand has faced challenges in attracting the world’s biggest musical acts. Artists such as Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish have all opted to bypass New Zealand in favor of performing in Australia for their multi-city stadium tours. This shift has been attributed to the country’s inability to compete with the vast resources and opportunities offered by Australia’s larger markets.
With this new funding package, New Zealand aims to address this gap, making itself a more attractive destination for global acts. By investing in the infrastructure and the financial incentives necessary to host these major performers, the Government hopes to change the trend of New Zealand being overlooked by top artists.
Economic Impact of Major Events
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has expressed her confidence in the positive impact the new investment will have on the New Zealand economy. She emphasized how major events, whether they are international concerts, sporting events, or global conferences, have a significant economic effect on the regions that host them. These events create local jobs, boost incomes, and stimulate economic activity across various sectors, particularly in hospitality and retail.
Upston highlighted Auckland’s recent success in hosting a series of large concerts, including performances by globally recognized bands like Coldplay and Pearl Jam. These events alone generated a substantial economic boost, with $33.7 million in revenue flowing into Auckland’s local economy. By increasing the frequency and scale of such events, New Zealand hopes to replicate and exceed these successes across other cities and regions.
Strengthening New Zealand’s Position in the Global Market
The funding package is also seen as an effort to make New Zealand more competitive with Australia’s Queensland. Queensland has long been a major hub for international events, drawing attention from global entertainers and tourists. By injecting $70 million into the country’s events and tourism sectors, New Zealand is positioning itself to be on par with Australia, offering comparable opportunities for major artists and event organizers.
The significant investment into the tourism and events infrastructure will not only benefit international visitors but will also encourage New Zealanders themselves to explore more of their country. By making travel and event experiences more accessible and appealing, the Government hopes to foster greater domestic tourism as well.
Long-Term Vision for New Zealand’s Tourism Industry
The investment package is part of the Government’s Q3 Action Plan and is aimed at bringing major events to New Zealand starting in 2026. This timeline also allows for flexibility in the event contracts, ensuring that the country is ready to host events over a two-year span, depending on specific needs and logistical requirements.
Further announcements about future events and tourism infrastructure projects are expected by the end of 2025, with the full package expected to be rolled out over the next two years. This extended time frame will allow for careful planning, ensuring that the events held in New Zealand meet the highest standards and contribute positively to the national economy.
New Zealand’s Tourism Economy
Tourism has long been one of New Zealand’s most vital industries, second only to dairy in terms of export earnings. The tourism sector contributes roughly $17 billion to the national GDP and supports nearly 200,000 jobs across various sectors. With the introduction of the new investment package, the Government hopes to expand these contributions further, ensuring that tourism remains a major driver of economic growth and job creation for years to come.
By securing major international events, improving infrastructure, and attracting more visitors to the regions, New Zealand is paving the way for a prosperous future for its tourism and events sectors.
