Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) has been granted a further $1M in a new round of investment to promote and coordinate regional tourism.

The funding, part of $26.6 million for 31 regional tourism organisations, was described as “a welcome boost” by LWT general manager Tim Barke.

Tourism organisations will be expected to collaborate across regional boundaries to attract visitors, and to focus on improved destination management, sustainable tourism, and collaboration with iwi.

Tim said the funding will enable the implementation of projects identified in LWT’s destination marketing plan, business capability initiatives, product development in regenerative and environmental tourism, a Kaitiaki/stewardship programme, and marketing activity that communicates Wanaka’s key brand values.

LWT, Destination Queenstown and the Queenstown Lakes District Council are currently working with businesses, the community and iwi on developing a plan which will help move the district toward regenerative tourism by 2030.

The new funding supports this approach as well as bolstering the work LWT outlined in its recent annual plan, Tim said.

“The visitor economy is critical to our region, so what we do matters, both as participants in the visitor economy and as people and businesses who are part of the community. The pause caused by Covid-19 has given us all a chance to stop and think about how we can build our industry back better, while supporting our community and place,” Tim said.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said the new round of funding for RTOs for the coming year will support local jobs and businesses and keep up the momentum of economic recovery.

“Domestic tourism is experiencing a boom as Kiwis take the opportunity to ‘do something new’ and see more of their own backyard,” he said.

“Tourism agencies in our regions work hard behind the scenes to ensure they can deliver on their promise to visitors. We all want tourism to be sustainable, well-managed, and for everyone with a stake in the visitor economy to collaborate.”

PHOTO: Treble Cone