Fiordland and other regions hardest hit by Covid-19 are to be prioritised for a share of $13 million of Government funding. 

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has announced round five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will be open for applications next month. 

It will have a specific focus on regions hardest hit by the loss of overseas tourists.

"I have updated the criteria for projects to be prioritised by the fund," Nash says. 

"It will now better reflect the reality that jobs and businesses in some regions, particularly the South Island, are harder hit by the loss of international tourists than other regions." 

Five regions will be get preferential treatment - Fiordland, Queenstown Lakes, Kaikōura, MacKenzie - Aoraki Mt Cook, and South Westland districts.

Nash, who last allocated TIF money in November, has come under fire recently for failing to help businesses still struggling from the impacts of Covid-19 restrictions.  

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund was established in 2017. 

It has helped councils build and maintain important assets like public toilets and showers, carparks and footpaths, waste disposal and water treatment facilities, freedom camping sites, picnic shelters, jetties and boat ramps, bike stands and mountain bike hubs.

Southland has received $6,361,910 of funding, while Otago has received $5,329,951

The fund is aimed at councils that lack adequate revenue sources to cater for visitors, for example if they have a small ratepayer base. 

Community groups with council backing can also apply.

Fiordland Community Board chair Sarah Greaney tells Southland App: "Any funding that we can attract to the area has to be good.

"There might be potential through council to get some projects which we originally costed through the long-term plan funded instead through the TIF. 

"However, I do think that this particular fund misses the mark from a small business perspective and it remains to be seen whether anything actually is done for small business." 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is expected to make an announcement on its likely opening date for on April 6. 

Greaney says that will certainly help.

"We know that from the feedback we've had from businesses. For some, certainly over the winter, between 30% to 50% of their customers are from Australia. 

"So, that announcement is still critical."

Nash says round five ensures central government investment in visitor projects can continue while work continues to open quarantine-free travel with Australia, and other international connections when it is safe to do so. 

Other regions are still welcome to apply. All applicants will be asked to demonstrate the need for support with visitor infrastructure.

"The projects will provide much-needed local employment as tourism towns work to diversify their economies. 

"The new infrastructure will also ensure the quality of the visitor experience is improved for when tourists return in greater numbers.