A government fund that helps councils build infrastructure for visitors has been re-opened, and Queenstown Lakes is one of the priority areas.

Round five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund, which has a specific focus on regions hardest hit by the loss of overseas tourists, will open for applications next month, tourism minister Stuart Nash announced today (Wednesday March 31).

It last allocated funds in November 2019.

“I have updated the criteria for projects to be prioritised by the fund. It will now better reflect the reality that jobs and businesses in some regions, particularly the South Island, are harder hit by the loss of international tourists than other regions,” Stuart said.

“All councils will still be eligible to apply if they lack adequate revenue sources to cater for visitors, for example if they have a small ratepayer base. Community groups with council backing can also apply.

An empty Helwick Street in Wanaka a year ago, during the initial Covid-19 restrictions. PHOTO: Wanaka App

The minister said he has identified five regions that face greater uncertainty given their reliance on overseas visitors: Queenstown Lakes, Kaikōura, MacKenzie - Aoraki Mt Cook, Fiordland and South Westland. 

Applications from these districts will be prioritised, he said.

“The projects will provide much-needed local employment as tourism towns work to diversify their economies. The new infrastructure will also ensure the quality of the visitor experience is improved for when tourists return in greater numbers.”

Stuart said the round five funding will ensure government investment in visitor projects can continue while the government works to open quarantine-free travel with Australia, and other international connections when it is safe to do so. 

While the final size of the funding pool is still to be determined it is expected to be in the vicinity of $13M, he said.

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund was established in 2017. It has helped councils build and maintain important assets like public toilets and showers, carparks and footpaths, waste disposal and water treatment facilities, freedom camping sites, picnic shelters, jetties and boat ramps, bike stands and mountain bike hubs.