Press Release – Tourism Industry Aotearoa Championing small tourism businesses is a great way to support regions and local communities, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa. With 9 April marking the inaugural Small Business Day, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says Friday is the perfect opportunity … Championing small tourism businesses is a great way to support regions and local communities, says Tourism Industry Aotearoa. With 9 April marking the inaugural Small Business Day, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says Friday is the perfect opportunity to rethink what it means to support local. “While many of us have pledged to ‘buy local’ to support our neighbourhoods over the past twelve months, we don’t always consider experiences as part of that,” he says. “Everywhere in New Zealand there will be a local tourism operator who would love to share their activity or product with you. Supporting small tourism businesses means directly protecting local jobs, livelihoods and families.”