Auckland Airport awards $100,000 to growing tourism business

31 August 2017

Auckland Airport awards $100,000 to growing tourism businesses

Auckland Airport has awarded two $50,000 grants to regional tourism groups as part of its fifth annual round of Tourism Development Grants.

The grants, awarded to Haka Tours and EatNZ, will support both recipients to continue developing and ‘clustering’ tourism experiences that will attract international visitors in off-peak seasons.

Scott Tasker, Auckland Airport’s general manager aeronautical commercial, says “this year operators were asked to demonstrate a clear vision for new tourism products and outstanding seasonal and country-wide travel experiences.”

“The airport has a particular interest in the ‘clustering’ of tourism products that bring together groups of operators who create attractive experiences that enable travellers to explore more of New Zealand,” says Mr Tasker.

Haka Tours has been awarded the grant for its small group, adventure snow and mountain bike tours. Founder Ryan Sanders says it will help extend their digital marketing campaigns across their North Island product range as well as assist in the development of a number of new tour initiatives.

“We’re thrilled to have this support to continue developing our brand and experiences, particularly our new ‘Haka Black’ premium tours and our mixed activity tours across the mountain biking and snow industries.”

EatNZ is a collective of some of the country’s best chefs, producers, media, event and tourism operators. Bringing together a platform to connect New Zealand’s food industry, EatNZ assists in promoting New Zealand as a food tourism destination.

Angela Clifford, CEO EatNZ, says “the grant will help to create a platform where travellers can find out more about New Zealand food, with the aim of growing the international profile of New Zealand food and the number of visitors travelling here for a food experience.”

“Every year the calibre of applications improves and we’re particularly impressed with the collaborative approach by entrants showcasing New Zealand tourism products and experiences,” says Mr Tasker.

Previous recipients include NZ Wine, TIME Unlimited, Explore Group, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, YHA, Sachie’s Kitchen and Bularangi Motorbikes.

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