The last two years have seen major storms and landslides affect Franz Josef followed by a dearth of international tourism from Covid-19 travel bans. Photo: ODTPressure is mounting on the Government to release $24 million earmarked for the hurting tourism town of Franz Josef. The provincial growth fund project was proposed by the West Coast Regional Council and given the green light six months ago by the government. In the meantime, Glacier Country Tourism Group co-chair Richard Benton said tourism operators were trying to focus on the positives of the "void" of international tourism. RNZ has contacted West Coast Tasman MP Damien O'Connor for comment.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2021 23:03 UTC