Grants of up to $10,000 are now available to tourism operators in Southland and other South Island regions.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has today announced further detail on the $20 million tourism support scheme.

Businesses in five regions hard hit by the impact Covid-19 can apply for $5,000 for expert one-to-one advice on planning how to get back on their feet, and then $5,000 to help them put those plans into action.

"Agreements have now been put in place with the agencies who will lead the business support programme in Fiordland/Southland District, and Queenstown Lakes, Mackenzie, Westland and Kaikoura Districts," Stuart Nash said.

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Nash said domestic tourism was booming prior to the Delta variant lockdown.

"Higher alert levels are a reminder that this sector of our economy remains vulnerable to the impacts of the global pandemic, especially remote South Island regions that relied more heavily on foreign tourists than other areas."

Great South is the agency for businesses in Southland (Fiordland) District.

"Each lead entity has a team of growth advisors who know their communities, and have the advice, skills and expertise to help local businesses through the application process. The growth advisors will be the central point of contact for businesses."

Great South GM Business Services Development Ben Lewis says more than 75 businesses have already registered their interest. 

"That means we won’t be able to meet with everybody straight away," Lewis says.

"The fund is available for one year. However, we know that some businesses will be needing help as soon as possible."

Great South will prioritise Fiordland tourism businesses before other businesses within the wider Southland District Council rating area.

"Fiordland has been hit particularly hard by the lack of international tourists and that is where our priorities are for this fund."

Businesses can continue to register their interest on the greatsouth.nz website or by emailing [email protected]

Details of eligibility criteria, and contact details for lead entities are on the tourism recovery section of the MBIE website.