The Government has dished out $700,000 to help tourism in the wider Manawatū as the sector, normally worth $1 billion a year, struggles through the coronavirus crisis. The handout is part of $20.2 million funding announced this week to be divided among 31 regional tourism organisations. Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said the money would help the tourism sector recover from the coronavirus disruptions and go towards encouraging more people to explore the regions and discover their own backyard. Individual operators or businesses struggling post-lockdown were being helped by the agency through the regional business partner scheme, which has given out $610,000 of support to Manawatū businesses so far. Supplied Stewart says the $700,000 funding will go towards improving visitor experiences and tourism operators’ staff skills, and marketing the region.

Source: Stuff July 28, 2020 08:26 UTC