11. Question No. 11—Tourism and HospitalityDr VANESSA WEENINK (National—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister for Tourism and HospitalityQuestion No. 11—Tourism and Hospitality11. Dr VANESSA WEENINK (National—Banks Peninsula) to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent announcement has he made regarding the Regional Events Promotion Fund?Hon Dr Duncan Webb: Tobacco sponsorship!Hon MATT DOOCEY (Minister for Tourism and Hospitality): Well great news for Duncan Webb and great news on a Thursday. Today I'm pleased to announce that 132 events across the motu will receive a funding boost through the Regional Events Promotion Fund. The Regional Events Promotion Fund was established using $5 million of the international visitor levy revenue and supports the promotion of regional tourism organisations and local councils outside the main centres to attract more New Zealanders to their events throughout the year. The first round of the fund has resulted in funding for a total of 132 events to the value of $2.3 million. The regional events fund was part of this Government's coalition agreement and it's great to be able to deliver it for the tourism and hospitality sector.Dr Vanessa Weenink: Why did the Government establish the Regional Events Promotion Fund?Hon MATT DOOCEY: Good question. Clearly this country has a lot of economic headwinds ahead of it and this coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy. As our second-largest export earner is tourism and hospitality we want to back our tourism and hospitality operators. That's why we want to grow the value of tourism and hospitality but also support our regions to maximise the opportunity of this sector to employ another person and to increase their incomes. The Regional Events Promotion Fund will help regional tourism organisations and councils to attract more visitors to events in their regions throughout the year.Dr Vanessa Weenink: What types of events will receive funding through this initiative?Hon MATT DOOCEY: A great question. A lot of different events is the answer to that. From Northland to the great South 28 councils and regional tourism operators will receive funding from this coalition Government to promote events in their regions. The successful events range in size and scope and include everything from half-marathons and cultural events to food festivals. The events recommended for funding have been selected on their ability to drive visitation from outside their region and outside the peak season.Dr Vanessa Weenink: What value will this bring to tourism and hospitality in the regions?Hon MATT DOOCEY: Heaps of value. This fund will help promote regional events that will deliver a high return on investment and encourage visitors to explore beyond the main centres. There is life in New Zealand outside the big cities. I want to help grow the sector in a sustainable and productive way to ensure tourism and hospitality businesses can operate year round create more jobs and allow them to employ staff on a more permanent basis. One of the main ways we can do this is by growing visitation outside the main centres and outside of the peak season. Events are excellent drawcards to get more visitors to the regions particularly during the quieter parts of the year and this is a Government that backs our tourism and hospitality operators.