Case studies: March 2022

Introduction

Minister of Tourism, Hon Stuart Nash

The tourism sector, here and globally, knows there is a big rebuild ahead.

As I write this, we are preparing to welcome back our Australian visitors, quickly followed by arrivals from our key markets in the Northern Hemisphere, in particular the USA and UK.

But our Reconnecting Strategy and tourism priorities are about even more than reuniting family and friends, they are a crucial part of our economic recovery. New Zealand is open for business and our tourism destinations are amongst the world’s best.

Tourism New Zealand advice is that the initial return of visitors will be gradual. None of us under- estimate the hard work ahead as we rebuild the

sector. The shock of the global pandemic has been felt keenly by those South Island communities that were over-exposed to international tourism.

As a part of the $200 million Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan, we gave targeted support to tourism businesses in Queenstown Lakes, Southland, Kaikōura, Mackenzie and Westland Districts. Eligible businesses can:

• receive up to $5,000 worth of independent, professional advice to help them adapt their business to the new circumstances, and
• receive a further $5,000 to implement this advice.

A snapshot of how this advice has made a difference to Kiwi businesses is included in these case studies. Applications are still open, so if you operate an eligible tourism business in one of the five communities, contact one of the following organisations to register your interest:

• ChristchurchNZ (for Kaikōura and Mackenzie Districts)
• Great South (for Southland District)
• Queenstown Lakes District Council (for Queenstown
  Lakes District)
• Development West Coast (for Westland District).

 As international visitors begin to return, our global reputation for hospitality and friendly locals has been enhanced by the way we handled the pandemic. It has reinforced our international image as a nation that cares about people.

These case studies are offered in that context. The real-life examples of personal and business challenges are designed to show that we can reach out to each other when times are tough, and that help is on hand. Thank you to those tourism operators who have shared their stories, and I wish you a prosperous and successful year ahead.