Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been successful in securing $25,000 from the Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery (IPTR).

The IPTR is a $44M contestable fund for projects that will have a meaningful impact across the tourism sector.

The fund has been divided into two streams with stream one providing co-funding of up to $25,000 to be used to explore an idea or concept.

“Our project explores using international tourism as a shopfront for exporters and others who want to forge international relationships,” QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers told the Wānaka App. 

“Research suggests it is far too narrow to merely see visitors’ value as what they spend while they are here.

“Tourism also supports exporters to sell their products once the visitors return home. And if we can better inform visitors about the potential to invest, work and study in New Zealand, then the benefit is much greater than whatever they spend when on holiday.

“It’s exciting seeing this fresh thinking come from our economic development team and for other districts, and the government, being willing to help dig into this issue.

“If we can prove that these connections can be enhanced, it offers new opportunities for the district and the nation.”

If the idea is successfully validated the QLDC can apply for a second stream of funding of between $100,000 and $10M to deliver the project. Expressions of interest for the second stream of funding open on November 10, 2023.

Applicants must co-fund at least 50 percent of the project’s cost.

QLDC has not released any further detail on the idea at this stage. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App