People organising Mid Canterbury events that will attract visitors from outside the district are being encouraged to apply for up to $10,000 from a regional event fund set up by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to help boost domestic tourism.

Mid Canterbury has $230,000 to spend over four years.

Nine events were allocated about $50,000 in the first round earlier this year and the second round will open soon for applications, with $36,000 to distribute.

The South Island Secondary Schools mountain bike championships were hosted at the Mt Hutt bike park this year by Bike Methven and organisers were allocated $3,764 from the regional fund to help run the event.

The champs attracted several hundred riders, and their support crews, who stayed in the district for several days.

The organisers of a three-day national pickleball tournament held in the EA Networks Centre earlier this month were also among those nine first-round events and were allocated $5,000 for their sporting event.

The tournament attracted over 100 players from outside the district, from as far away as Auckland and Gore. Another 20 local players also took part in the national event.

Tournament Director Ruben Garcia, who has helped grow the sport in Ashburton, said the visitors had a great time during their stay and enjoyed the town’s facilities. Players stayed at local accommodation places and supported local restaurants and other businesses.

“The event funding helped cover the cost of hiring courts at the centre and other operational costs, which contributed significantly to the quality and success of the tournament,” he said.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown said anyone with a great event idea and a plan to make it happen should apply for funding, especially if it would attract visitors to the district for an overnight stay.

"This is an opportunity for our community to put our district on the map with events that will be a real drawcard for visitors and drive spending in our local economy."

To be eligible for funding, events need to have a duration of between two and four years and must demonstrate how they will attract out-of-region visitors.

Applications for the second round of the Regional Event Fund open on 1 September and close on 30 September.

Event organisers can apply for up to $10,000 per event to be held between 1 February and 30 June 2022.

To apply for funding, visit the Council's website.