The West Coast has been given an $18 million boost with four new Government-funded visitor centres. The new "experience centres" will be part of a pounamu pathway for visitors to learn about the West Coast's culture and history. “Four new visitor experience centres in separate locations across the West Coast will support the region’s tourism operators, boost sustainable employment and provide upskilling opportunities for local people," he said. He said the PGF has given $145.2 million for projects in the West Coast region, which was earmarked as a surge region with priority given to projects boosting the economy of the West Coast. The West Coast had hit hard times with the loss of 1599 jobs since 2012, after a downturn in the mining industry.

Source: Stuff June 15, 2020 22:52 UTC