Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee said that a sum of $500 million a year could be saved via programme targeted at improving the energy efficiency of tourism businesses.

The basic aim of the program is to enhance competitiveness and environmental credentials of New Zealand tourism businesses.

Mr. Brownlee said that if in case the 16,000 tourism businesses nationwide made similar savings to those in the pilot programme, then almost $500m dollars a year that could be invested elsewhere.

“This programme provides practical assistance for tourism businesses in the accommodation and transport sectors to use energy management to reduce costs, reduce environmental impacts, retain jobs and keep thriving.”

A detailed energy audit, that would identify important energy savings, and mentoring, would be received by business participating in the programme.

So far $160,000 has been contributed by the government to the pilot project and for the next phase $287,000 would be provided.