There's excitement among Kiwi food experts and hospo giants about what the Michelin Guide's arrival could do for tourism.

Tourism New Zealand is investing $6.3 million to bring the guide to New Zealand, and it's estimated 36,000 more international visitors could be drawn in as a result.

Executive chef at Ahi and New Zealand Food Story host Ben Bayly says this move will give the nation's food sector more credibility.

"Let's face it, gastronomic tourism right now is huge, people are travelling all over the world to eat food - that is their main driver for coming to countries now."

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