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Championing small tourism businesses is a great way to support regions and local communities, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa. 

With 9 April marking the inaugural Small Business Day, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says Friday is the perfect opportunity to rethink what it means to support local.

“While many of us have pledged to ‘buy local’ to support our neighbourhoods over the past twelve months, we don’t always consider experiences as part of that,” he says. “Everywhere in New Zealand there will be a local tourism operator who would love to share their activity or product with you. Supporting small tourism businesses means directly protecting local jobs, livelihoods and families.”

Mr Roberts says many New Zealanders depend on the tourism industry for employment, and in regions across Aotearoa tourism is a significant contributor to regional GDP. “The importance of the tourism industry to the wellbeing of communities up and down the country has never been more apparent than now.” 

Adventure Capital Founder and Director Jacqui Wilkinson says the lockdowns have also shown us just how important local businesses are to our wellbeing and sense of connection.

“A friendly smile and someone who remembers you and your preferences; a vital lifeline to the things we enjoy in life. Small businesses are not just the backbone of our economy, they are the heartbeat of our communities.”

Kate Norris, co-owner of Fiordland Trips & Tramps, says a focus on people is what has kept their small business going.

“Putting people at the fore has seen us adapt our guided walk packages and successfully welcome Kiwis from around New Zealand. We are getting them into our backyard by offering genuine outdoor experiences on the Fiordland Great Walks, where they can share the wilderness in a safe and fun way.”

Ms Norris says the business, like many others, continues to adapt to the challenges and grow in new and exciting ways.

New Zealand’s tourism industry is largely made up of small, locally owned operators, many of whom have been severely impacted by the closure of New Zealand’s borders. Mr Roberts says that while they will be breathing a sigh of relief at the opening of the trans-Tasman travel bubble on 19 April, we won’t be back to pre-pandemic levels of business overnight. “I encourage everyone to continue supporting local—wherever you may be.”

Here’s how you can help:

Small Business Day
Go small! Shop with small businesses on Friday 9 April. Share a photo (or screenshot) of your purchase from a small business on social by tagging @smallbusinessdaynz and using #choosesmallnz. You could win a share of $100,000 in instant prizes and much more.