13 May 2010

Tourism industry to get $25m to promote NZ

10:57 am on 13 May 2010

The tourism industry will receive $25 million in the Budget to market New Zealand internationally.

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key made the announcement at a hotel industry conference in Auckland on Thursday.

The funding will be used to promote New Zealand in key places such as Australia, China and the United States.

Another $5 million will be allocated to regional tourism organisations and Tourism New Zealand.

Mr Key said tourism will play an important role in helping the country's economy grow faster.

He told the conference tourism has the potential to grow far beyond the 10% of New Zealand's economy it makes up at present.

Finance Minister Bill English will deliver the Budget on 20 May.