Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell welcomes government tourism funding boost

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell has welcomed a new injection of government funding aimed at revitalising the local tourism sector. Speaking to Waatea News on Tuesday 6 October 2026, Mayor Tapsell highlighted that the financial support is expected to increase the number of visitors arriving in Rotorua, directly benefiting the region's economy. The funding strategy is specifically designed to attract more international tourists back to the geothermal city. According to the Mayor, the focus is not only on increasing visitor numbers but also on encouraging travellers to stay longer and increase their local spending. This approach aims to ensure that the economic benefits are felt across the community, particularly within the accommodation and service sectors. Mayor Tapsell noted that local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are expected to see a significant rise in revenue as a result of the targeted support. By drawing in overseas visitors who commit to longer stays, the initiative seeks to create a more sustainable and profitable environment for Rotorua’s hospitality providers. The announcement comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen Rotorua’s position as a premier destination. The Mayor expressed optimism that the influx of tourism dollars will provide a necessary boost to local operators who serve as the backbone of the city’s visitor economy.