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Policy Positions — Industry Issues

Tourism Infrastructure

6 March 2025

Tourism relies on a range of public and private infrastructure, including airports, roads, water and sewerage facilities, ports, electric vehicle charging, hotels, and others. In turn, infrastructure that results from visitor demand often benefits residents. Because of this, most tourism-related infrastructure is mixed-use and used by both visitors and residents. 

This means that both government and private interests are responsible for the provision of tourism infrastructure, and historically this has not worked well resulting in significant deficits identified in earlier research conducted by TIA. 

With an outlook for continuing growth of international tourism, the demand for quality infrastructure will undoubtedly return and increase. In the Destination Management Plans now in place for tourism regions, more infrastructure investment has been identified right around the country. 

TIA advocates the importance of taking a long-term view on infrastructure, and that it is essential to continue investing in this infrastructure before it becomes a major constraint. 

TIA supports a sustainable funding system for tourism that will enable the level of investment in tourism-related infrastructure and destination capacity and quality that will support the future growth of tourism. 

Thanks to our Strategic Partners

Westpac

Thanks to our Strategic Partners

Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust