45137 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

45137 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: How will the Government ensure that funding from the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package supports jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector, including hotel workers, chefs, and conference staff?

Hon Louise Upston: The events, tourism, and hospitality sectors are closely interconnected. Large-scale events rely on accommodation, hospitality, and transport services, while also driving domestic and international visitation—supporting employment for hotel workers, chefs, and conference staff. Research conducted by Massey University found that live performance activity alone supported 60,500 full-time equivalent jobs in the year to June 2024. This includes employment in hospitality, accommodation, and transport—sectors that benefit directly from increased event activity and visitor spending. Funding from the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package will support initiatives that generate visitor nights, increase demand for hospitality services, and stimulate regional economic activity. While the primary focus is on attracting and delivering high-impact events, these activities are expected to deliver flow-on benefits to the tourism and hospitality sectors—helping to sustain and grow jobs across the visitor economy. In addition, upgrades to tourism infrastructure, including cycle trails, funded through the package will enhance regional tourism offerings and attract more visitors to local areas, further supporting employment in accommodation, food service, and related roles.