June 25, 2026

RTNZ calls on all parties to commit to implementing the Tourism Policy Statement, and welcomes further funding to drive regional dispersal

Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) has welcomed the release of New Zealand’s first national Tourism Policy Statement and a further $5 million for round three of the Regional Tourism Boost, saying the Statement reflects what the regional tourism sector has long advocated: stronger national coordination, transparent funding, access to high-quality data and clear acknowledgement that tourism happens at place.

For the first time, central government has set out an enduring, long-term direction for tourism – one explicitly built around regions, communities and the local organisations that deliver visitor experiences on the ground.

“This is a significant milestone for our sector. New Zealand should be the most connected and sustainable destination on earth, empowered by communities who deliver the experience that makes New Zealand so regarded on the world stage. For years, we have asked for stronger national coordination and acknowledgement of the critical delivery role RTOs play at a destination level. This statement says it back to us in black and white. That recognition matters – and now we ask all parties to commit to deliver on both this vision, and funding to deliver at place.”
– Andrew Wilson, Chair, Regional Tourism New Zealand

RTNZ pointed to several areas where the sector’s advocacy is clearly reflected in the Statement, including:

place-based planning and destination management confirmed as a lead role for local government and its RTOs
a commitment to partner with regions on place-based tourism outcomes, with a framework for implementing regional destination management plans
explicit recognition of RTOs in domestic destination marketing
a stronger commitment to align national and regional marketing, with Tourism New Zealand working alongside councils, RTOs and industry; and
a clear focus on regional dispersal, seasonality and tourism that works for communities.

“Tourism’s benefits are not automatic, and they are not felt evenly,” says Andrew Wilson, Chair of Regional Tourism New Zealand. “It is councils, communities and RTOs who manage the day-to-day hosting of visitors. The Statement’s focus on dispersal, seasonality and community outcomes is exactly the vision that we hoped to see.”

RTNZ welcomes the 46 actions outlined in the Tourism Policy Statement, many focused on clear national coordination, world-class data that enables good decision making, and a framework that guides future funding decisions. RTNZ also acknowledges the policy actions related to regions and communities, including establishing a register for short-term rental accommodation, and creating a framework that supports the development and implementation of regional destination management plans.

RTNZ will work to ensure marketing with Tourism New Zealand via macro-regions will drive further regional dispersal. RTOs hope that this development enables potential visitors to understand New Zealand’s tourism proposition across the motu in a way that sees them explore wider, stay longer and enjoy the manaakitanga our communities extend to all.

A FURTHER $5 MILLION TO GROW REGIONAL VISITATION

RTNZ also welcomed confirmation of $5 million for a third round of the Regional Tourism Boost – a contestable fund made up of $2 million from the International Visitor Levy and a $3 million reallocation from the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. Round three will support campaigns to attract more international visitors to travel, stay and dine in New Zealand from spring 2026 to early summer 2027, prioritising the Australian, Chinese and North American markets.

“Boost works because it puts targeted marketing investment into the hands of regions to grow visitation where and when it’s needed most,” says Wilson. “It helps our members attract international visitors and spread the benefits of tourism beyond the main centres and outside the peak season.”

RECOGNITION MUST BE MATCHED BY ENDURING FUNDING

RTNZ was clear, however, that recognition in policy must now be matched by investment. The Statement itself acknowledges that current tourism funding arrangements are “showing signs of pressure, particularly at local government level,” and will set a framework for future funding.

We welcome this Statement and look forward to seeing its implementation in the well-structured and funded intention that the statement signals. Round three of Boost is welcomed. In future we would love to see all political parties commit to enduring, fit-for-purpose funding tourism needs to deliver at place. The real test will be whether the place-based partnership, the funding review and the new leadership group genuinely put regions, councils and communities at the table.

Andrew Wilson, Chair, Regional Tourism New Zealand

RTNZ looks forward to working with the Government, officials at MBIE and Tourism New Zealand, local government and mana whenua on the implementation plan, the proposed national destination plan, and the review of future funding arrangements – including the signalled exploration of an accommodation levy policy in 2027, a measure RTNZ has actively championed.