Te Hikoi Museum, located on the Southern Scenic Route, focuses on how Maori and European ancestors adapted in New Zealand.
Councillor Karyn Owen, who is also centre's operations manager, said she noticed a drop in visitors since the Labour Weekend.
‘‘The number of international visitors was down to 55% in November and 35% in December — compared to 2018.’’
She said around the country the tourism sector was preparing itself for a drop in international visitors. Rough weather which hit the region last year could also be a reason for the decline.
‘‘It [the museum] is a community-owned operation, largely run by volunteers. One third of our revenue it is public funding by council and grants, other third is from profit of our retail area and the rest from the [museum] fees.’’
To draw visitors, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, she said.
‘‘One-third of our visitors are international, one-third are from Southland and another third from the rest of New Zealand. We need all the good word of mouth we can get.’’
