How we’re supporting the tourism sector

• We've refocused industry webinars to provide updates on the current COVID-19 situation. It's great to be able to get together to have this discussion and answer your questions.   
• The tourism advisory support service(opens in new window) delivered by Qualmark is still available to you free of charge if you haven't taken up the offer yet. This service has been extended to include a new phase of practical support designed to help you understand more about your digital ecosystem with the aim of lifting the level of digital capability for the tourism industry.
• Qualmark have also launched COVID Clean Approved(opens in new window), a self-assessment tool that allows Qualmark licence holders to work through a series of questions on COVID-19 related topics that are relevant to their operations processes, customer interaction and staff wellbeing. By completing this assessment, it communicates to both staff and visitors that the operator is aware of and working to take measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• As New Zealand’s response evolves we will keep you updated on our activity and support through Tourism News.
• We're continuing to provide advice and support to our Business Events partners, including development of an infographic outlining how events can run at different COVID-19 alert levels.

Other resources

• COVID-19: Information for businesses(opens in new window) is the government’s central resource to help businesses with updates about COVID-19 and guidance, including Kiwi Business Boost(opens in new window). 
• Unite Against COVID-19(opens in new window) is the central place for information from the New Zealand Government about COVID-19, including the COVID-19 financial support tool and requirements for businesses at different alert levels. Information is available in Te Reo Māori and over 33 other languages(opens in new window), plus accessible formats for the disabled community. There are also a range of signs and posters(opens in new window) for you to use at your business.
• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has information on the 2020 Tourism Recovery package(opens in new window), as well as managed isolation and quarantine, an important part of our border measures to try and prevent COVID-19 in New Zealand. There's also support for South Island groups through the Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan(opens in new window), delivered by ChristchurchNZ, Great South, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Development West Coast.
• The Ministry of Health(opens in new window) provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19, including public health guidelines for businesses and services.
• Inland Revenue can help businesses understand the tax implications of these changes as a result of COVID-19. There's webinars and other information available on their website including information on the Resurgence Support Payment(opens in new window).
• Work and Income has information on the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy August 2021(opens in new window).
• Go with Tourism(opens in new window) has launched a free service to support tourism industry workers and businesses affected by COVID-19, through redeployment, guidance, advice, and educational pathways.
• Tourism Export Council of New Zealand(opens in new window) (TEC) has developed a list of resources available to help their members, including the Inbound Tour Operator COVID-19 ready handbook.
• The Regional Business Partner Network(opens in new window) has resources and support available to help you whether your business is moving into recovery mode and looking for guidance, or is focused on building capability and growth. They also manage the Tourism Transitions Fund to support tourism businesses with advice and support such as HR, health and wellbeing, business continuity and hibernation, cashflow and finance management, strategy and digital capability.
• The Mental Health Foundation(opens in new window) has put together some information to help you get through. These are testing times for many New Zealanders so its important to take care of yourself and those around you.

We know this is a challenging time. That's why we're here to support the tourism sector in any way we can. If you have any questions or feedback please contact us.