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Destination Marlborough has secured support through Air New Zealand’s new Regional Event Sponsorship Programme, with the Marlborough Book Festival selected as the region’s nominated event for the next three years.
Air New Zealand has partnered with regional tourism organisations to support events across 20 regions the airline services. The programme aims to bring people together and celebrate what makes each region unique through assistance such as flights, marketing and promotional activity, or investment.
As part of the application process, regions were invited to nominate events that are unique and authentically local, have potential to grow visitation during winter or the shoulder season, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. After consideration, the Marlborough Book Festival was selected as the strongest fit for both Air New Zealand’s criteria and the objectives of Marlborough’s Destination Management Plan.
Marlborough Book Festival trustee Claudia Small says the sponsorship offers significant support for the volunteer-run event.
“The support from Air NZ is massive for the Marlborough Book Festival and we could not be more grateful to Destination Marlborough for putting us forward. Securing funding for our volunteer-run event is always a challenge, so knowing that author flight costs are covered for the next three years is simply fantastic.”
Held every July, the Marlborough Book Festival is a well-loved event created by writers, for writers, and has grown steadily in recent years through collaborations with high-calibre authors. With support from Air New Zealand, the festival is well positioned to extend its reach and impact.
The festival also delivers strong social and community benefits through initiatives such as the Little Marlborough Book Festival, which connects schools and students with visiting authors.
Destination Marlborough general manager Tracey Green says securing the sponsorship is a major step for both the festival and the region.
“We’re thrilled to have secured this opportunity for the Marlborough Book Festival. It’s an event with genuine heart and a strong potential to boost visitation during the winter months. We look forward to seeing how this three-year partnership helps the festival – and the region – continue to grow.”
