Bay of Plenty's tourism industry could benefit from Government funding that boosts regional tourism businesses and infrastructure, says MPs Simon Bridges and Todd Muller.

The Tauranga and Bay of Plenty MPs are encouraging local tourism providers to apply for Government funding which is aimed at boosting tourism in New Zealand.

File Photo

A total of $4 million from the Tourism Growth Partnership fund has been set aside for regional tourism projects, while the Government's annual $3m Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund is also now open for applications.

Simon says tourism in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty is booming, and last year there were more than 207,000 international guest nights in the Western Bay and 3.1 million in the Bay of Plenty, with more than $744 million spent by visitors.

'People are coming from across New Zealand and around the world to experience some of the amazing attractions and experiences we have on offer,” says Simon.

'These visitors boost the local economy, help create local jobs and provide endless opportunities for our great hospitality businesses.”

But Simon adds it's vital the region ensures growing visitor numbers are managed sustainably and that our region has the capacity to continue reaping the benefits of tourism.

'This funding is an important part of supporting this,” he says.

The Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund helps manage the growing demand from tourists by providing communities with new or enhanced smaller infrastructure such as carparks and restrooms.

The TGP is a joint-funding partnership between the Government and the private sector to increase the value of existing tourism projects or to get new projects underway.

Todd says tourism providers in the Bay of Plenty were doing a great job but there is always opportunities to improve.

'Together, these programmes help regional tourist centres maximise their tourism potential, so I urge communities and tourist operators throughout Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty to find out more information.

'It's great to see the Government continuing to support tourism in New Zealand. Since 2008, we have invested an unprecedented $700 million in tourism and tourism promotion.

'This is helping fuel rapid growth in the sector. A record 3.34 million visitors came to New Zealand in the year ending July 2016, and spent an all-time high of $10.3 billion,” says Todd.

Visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's website for more information about applying for the Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund or the Tourism Growth Partnership.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller. File Photo.