Innovation

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has published its guidance for tourism businesses interested in applying for the $54m Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery.

Up to $10 in govt co-funding is available for individual projects that could help the sector decarbonise and improve productivity and resilience.

Enabling non-tourism sector organisations, such as technology and overseas firms, as well as academic institutions, to be eligible for will bring the highest level of innovation.

Strong international demand for Māori tourism product meant the sector did not really needed to consider altering its products.

Wellington-based Creative HQ will host the Tourism Design Challenge, a 48-hour innovation weekend to find better travel solutions for suppliers, travellers and the environment.

For small operators, being innovative is the only way to stay afloat, says Janet Oldham of Great Walks of New Zealand.

Closed borders forced the inbound tourism operator into looking at alternative product offerings.

For tourism operators struggling to pivot to the new visitor landscape, there are opportunities out there.

Covid-19 has given NZ’s research, science and innovation sector a chance to engage with tourism.