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ourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlighted the economic importance of New Zealand’s hospitality sector while speaking at the 2026 Hospitality Summit on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Upston says hospitality contributes more than $9 billion to New Zealand’s GDP and employs people across the country, playing a key role in the visitor economy.
“Our hospitality businesses shape how visitors experience New Zealand and what they remember long after they leave.”
Upston says the Government has been working with industry since the inaugural Hospitality Summit in 2024 to address sector priorities.
Initiatives include bringing the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, investing in regional tourism promotions, supporting more major events across the country, and reviewing the regulatory environment through the Hospitality Sector Review.
She says the summit provided an opportunity for industry and government to reflect on progress and focus on practical next steps to support the sector.
“The progress made demonstrates the positive impacts on economic growth when business and government work together on fixing the basics and building the future,” Upston says.
She also acknowledged the work of Hospitality New Zealand, the Restaurant Association and hospitality businesses across the country, saying the Government looks forward to continuing discussions on opportunities for industry success.
