Purpose: Maintain the current level of funding for Hawke’s Bay Tourism

Summary:

Tourism in Hawke’s Bay is a vibrant, growing industry, worth $630 million dollars per annum ( as of year end Dec 2017,) totalling 8% of Hawke’s Bay’s GDP.

We, the undersigned, believe that Hawke’s Bay Regional Councils proposal to reduce funding by 50% over 3 years will be significantly detrimental to our economy and should not be implemented.  If Hawke’s Bay is not promoted competitively, visitors will stop coming here and choose other destinations which will result in a significantly reduced visitor spend, less jobs and less business growth.

We petition that the current level of funding is maintained for the next 3 years, allowing Hawke’s Bay Tourism to continue their work in growing Hawke’s Bay as a visitor destination.