Wellington, May 6 (IANS) New Zealand's Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash on Thursday outlined a plan to ensure the immediate survival and long-term transformation of the tourism sector.

Nash told the industry's annual TRENZ conference that an all-of-government plan will support the recovery of tourism communities after the impacts of Covid-19, and rebuild tourism on a more sustainable foundation for the future, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The economic impact of the loss of international visitors is felt beyond the tourism workforce and businesses," Nash said.

"At the same time, reviews by agencies like the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, the Climate Change Commission, and the Tourism Futures Taskforce have highlighted transformation is required to rebuild tourism for the future," he said.

About NZ$200 million will be rolled out to support, recover and re-set the tourism communities between now and 2023, according to the Minister.

He added that it will invest in new programs like small business support, tourism infrastructure, the conservation estate, Maori development, economic and regional development, and mental wellbeing support.

--IANS ksk/