National will support the struggling tourism sector by investing in regional events, delivering critical infrastructure, and improving access to staff.

Under Labour, the economy is struggling, the cost of living continues to rise faster than wages, food prices are at a record high and mortgages and rents are unaffordable. National will rebuild the economy and manage it well so we can all get ahead.

Tourism is one of New Zealand's largest export earners, and the money it earns helps New Zealand pay its bills and afford the public services on which we all rely.  

However, a combination of the pandemic and the Labour Government have taken tourism backwards. More than a year since borders re-opened, visitor numbers and tourism jobs have not fully recovered. High inflation, high interest rates and broken immigration settings have punished the tourism and hospitality sectors, pushing many small operators to the brink.  

National will deliver practical and sensible support to make our beautiful country even more attractive to visitors, so tourism operators – including those in the regions – can get on with delivering world-class experiences and hospitality and growing their businesses and the economy.