Tussock Country is one of 19 events that will receive "tailored support" from Air NZ for three years, including flights, marketing and promotional activity to help bring more people in as part of its regional events sponsorship programme.
Promotions and event co-ordinator for the festival, Annabel Roy, said it was "very fortunate" to be one of the events sponsored.
"It was a long shot. We just assumed it would be the big centres, which have airports, who would get the funding.
"So for them to have faith Gore would deliver for their brand is fantastic and I believe they are really excited about supporting an event in Eastern Southland," she said.
The sponsorship included a promotional campaign to help bring artists to Gore, Ms Roy said.
It was a major boon for the festival, but it was not a golden ticket, as the sponsorship was not a cash deal and the festival still required sponsors — who would be getting better bang for their buck than ever before, Ms Roy said.
"It’s wonderful our national airline has seen our growth and our potential to keep growing and decided to back us — but more than ever we need sponsorship and funding.
"Gore has so much to be proud of and with an event of this size and its potential, there could be 50,000 people coming to Gore in 10 years for the festival," she said.
Gore Mayor Ben Bell said it was a valuable opportunity for Tussock Country and Gore and had major potential benefits.
"It gives Tussock Country the ability to take that next step. Coming into their fifth year, they’re growing year on year and now it gives them the opportunity to bring in bigger acts and people to keep growing it.
"For Gore, it allows bars and restaurants to be open more during the festival and even for people who aren’t the biggest fans of country [music], they can rent their homes out to people who want to come," Mr Bell said.
The more events grew, the better for the town, he said, and it was "great for all our residents at the end of the day" if Tussock Country could thrive.
Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said in a statement the company was proud to drive tourism and support communities, which made "New Zealand such a special place to call home".
"These events showcase the very best of our regions. They bring people together, tell our stories and celebrate the incredible talent and hospitality found right across Aotearoa."
