Local government and their regional tourism organisation (RTO) or economic development structures have a critical role to play in facilitating and promoting tourism activity in regions and places around the country. This includes investment to enable each region to advance, both as a destination and as a place to live for its residents. 

TIA recognises that funding for RTOs is under pressure as local government is confronted with cost demands that mean that their tourism-related funding is under increased pressure and scrutiny. 

TIA submitted to many councils’ Long-term Plans in 2024 to make the case that tourism spend is an investment in the wellbeing of the regions and the people within it. 

TIA considers this local government funding deficit to be a major part of the overall funding deficit as set out in the Sustainable Industry Funding section, meaning that any funding solution will need to act on this RTO and destination management funding deficit.