New Zealand unveils a US$41.7 million funding package to boost tourism
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced a NZ$70 million (US$41.7 million) funding package aimed at drawing blockbuster attractions and international visitors. The announcement was done in presence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland on Sunday, saying the investment is designed to jolt economic activity and help the country compete head-to-head with Australia.
The package includes NZ$40 million (US$23.8 million) to lure large-scale international events starting in 2026, NZ$10 million (US$5.96 million) to boost and expand existing events, NZ$10 million (US$5.96 million) to market regional tourism to overseas travelers, and up to NZ$10 million (US$5.96 million) for infrastructure upgrades such as cycle trails. The mix of new and existing funds will roll out over the next two years, with more details on specific projects expected before year’s end.
A budget similar to the one for Queensland
“This investment puts New Zealand on par with Queensland [Australia] and gives us a real shot at hosting the world’s biggest acts,” Upston said. “It will give international visitors even more reasons to explore our country and inspire Kiwis to get out and about.”
The Minister pointed to the ripple effect of past concerts. Fourteen Auckland shows, including Coldplay and Pearl Jam, generated nearly NZ$33.7 million (about US$20 million) and drew nearly half a million fans over three years—as proof of how major events can turbocharge local economies.
The funding comes as tourism rebounds strongly. Overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.39 million in the year to July 2025, up about 169,000 from the previous year, according to Stats NZ, signaling a steady climb back toward pre-pandemic levels.
“Major events—whether global sports showdowns or concerts by the world’s most popular artists—are a bonanza for the cities and regions that host them, supporting jobs and incomes in hospitality, retail and beyond,” Upston said. “New Zealand’s economy is getting back on track, but we know some cities and regions need an extra boost in the short term. We know big events deliver, and we’re stepping up to make them happen.”
Related News Stories: Seabourn unveils 2027 World Cruise HAL launches 2026/27 Australia and Asia cruises SkyTeam ??: SkyTeam Global Airline Alliance EVA Air unveils new Premium Economy seats Brazil launches new tourism experiences platform Princess Cruises announces 2026/2027 Australia deployment Jetstar launches first flights to Hamilton, NZ Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Unveils 133-Night 2028 World Cruise ... Vanuatu Tourism Office appoints Storrington Collective for UK public ... Mongolia-Singapore flights due to start in November
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt