i-SITEs around the country are set to benefit from funding announced last year.
Previous Tourism Minister Stuart Nash announced in May 2022 that three core networks within the tourism sector are receiving new investment to gear up for the return of international tourists and business travellers.
Those three networks were i-SITEs, tourism trade show TRENZ, and Regional Tourism New Zealand – the umbrella body for 31 regional tourism organisations.
The 60 locally owned and operated i-SITEs around the country provides visitors with impartial travel advice and the ability to book activities, attractions, accommodation and transport.
“New government investment of $2.975 million in the i-SITE network will be used to upgrade some sites, enhance online services, and drive better engagement with local history, culture and heritage attractions,” Nash said.
“The iconic i-SITE network with its distinctive green lettering was first established more than 30 years ago. Each visitor centre is locally owned and operated by travel experts in its community, giving them a unique home-grown flavour.
“Even in an increasingly digital world of travel bookings and itineraries, these official visitor centres are a core element of tourism infrastructure. They reinforce our international reputation for being good hosts and offering a friendly local welcome.”
The first i-SITE was established in 1990 and there are now more than 350 staff across the network.
The changes include upgrading some physical sites, enhancing online services and better incorporating local history, culture and heritage attractions in their offering to travellers.
It also includes an update of the i-SITE branding across the network.
The improvements are funded by from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy via MBIE.
