48222 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality

48222 (2025). Glen Bennett to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What are the timelines for the opening and closing of applications for each of the four funding streams within the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Fund?

Hon Louise Upston: Events Attraction Package – This is not contestable. Events Boost Fund – The fund supports events that commence delivery by 31 December 2026. Events and Infrastructure Upgrades – This is not contestable. Funding for the Manuka Doctor Tennis Arena and to several cycle trails was approved by Cabinet. Regional Tourism Boost – The fund will be implemented in two stages. • Stage 1: ‘ready-to-go’ tourism and hospitality packages for the priority early 2026 traveller group. Visitors must arrive between 1 January 2026 until 31 March 2026, including the Lunar New Year period. • Stage 2: longer term, staggered tourism and hospitality packages that stimulate demand throughout the off-peak tourism season. Visitors must arrive between 1 April 2026 until 30 June 2026. Applications for both stages opened on 17 September 2025. Stage 1 closes on 15 October 2025 and Stage 2 closes on 7 November 2025.