The visitor industry has an impact on most communities in New Zealand and supports local services and employment. These include shops, supermarkets, cafes, bars, restaurants and service stations, as well as investment in public services such as hospitals and schools. The industry is also an important catalyst for new capital investment and infrastructure.
As an example, the growth of the visitor industry in Queenstown, a major New Zealand tourism resort, was an important factor in the decision to build a new hospital in the district, a benefit to visitors as well as the local community.
As enablers of tourism, councils have a partnership role with the tourism industry to ensure the economic sustainability of their communities.