The Restaurant Association is welcoming the Government’s $70 million investment into the events sector. It is a much-needed injection into the New Zealand economy and a vital boost for hospitality businesses currently navigating some of the toughest trading conditions in years.
“This is exactly the kind of support our industry needs right now,” said Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association. Specifically, “Major events have a proven flow-on effect for the hospitality sector, filling our restaurants, bars and cafes with both domestic and international visitors.”
The investment aims to attract more large-scale events to New Zealand. This will allow us to better compete with Australia and other international markets. The Restaurant Association says this will help support local jobs. It will also stimulate economic activity, and bring vibrancy back to city centres and tourism hotspots.
“We’ve seen firsthand the power of major events, from top music acts to global sporting tournaments like the Women’s Football World Cup and the Rugby World Cup. Importantly, these events don’t just bring fans, they bring diners, spenders, and stories that ripple across our entire sector.”
With hospitality businesses under pressure from reduced consumer spending and rising costs, this funding couldn’t come at a better time.
“Operators are doing it tough right now. Rising costs and lower discretionary spend are creating significant headwinds. Stimulus that drives foot traffic and brings in high-value visitors is a welcome move,” Bidois said.
She added: “This is also part of the wider roadmap we’ve been collaborating on with government. It’s encouraging to see cross-sector planning coming to fruition. Strategic investment like this plays an important role in getting our economy, and our industry, back on track.”
Looking ahead, the Association looks forward to working alongside event organisers and government partners to ensure that hospitality businesses can fully capitalise on the opportunities this funding unlocks.