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Rotorua's reputation as a major events city has been given a $300,000 boost by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The MBIE Major Events fund, will see $100,000 per year allocated towards staging the annual Vibram Tarawera Ultra Marathon over the next three years .

Last year Rotorua also received Major Events funding to host the 2013 World Rafting Championships in November and won an International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) World Festival and Event City Award.

The IFEA awards are designed to recognise 'exemplary' cities around the world that have 'raised the bar' in relation to hosting community and major events.

Destination Rotorua Marketing General Manager Oscar Nathan says the city's calendar is full of premium outdoor events and festivals including the iconic Rotorua Marathon celebrating its 50th year, XTERRA, 3D Rotorua, the Walking Festival, Tough Guy, Moonride, 2W Gravity Enduro, Running Festival, XRACE, Whaka 100, and the Bike Festival, just to name a few.

Nathan says having a clear focus on Rotorua's point of difference is the reason why the city is successfully attracting so many big events and consequently reaping the economic rewards.

He explains "many cities in New Zealand are competing for that lucrative event tourism dollar but we stand out by hosting events that showcase Rotorua's stunning mix of natural assets such as our forests, lakes and rivers.

"Outdoor, multi-sport and endurance events are a natural fit for us and we're now achieving international recognition which benefits our whole community."

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says major events provide significant economic stimulus that extends well beyond the immediate impact of attendee bed nights, adding "the media coverage we receive from sporting events like these directly reaches out to people abroad, arousing interest in Rotorua and promoting tourism in our district.

"This funding is very welcome as it complements our Rotorua 2030 vision, and supports our strategies for economic growth and for sports and recreation."

For more information go to www.rotorua.nz.com/events 

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