Media Release
17th October 2011

Rugby World Cup 2011 has been a winner for Hawke’s Bay

As Rugby World Cup 2011 draws to a close, local tourism businesses are reporting significant success directly attributed to the tournament.

The Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre reported a 47% increase in foot traffic through the door and a 92% increase in revenue. Hastings i-SITE Visitor Centre recorded an increase in 29% with operator bookings 76% higher than the same period last year.

Evan Jennings from Bayview and Westshore Motel Group said members of their collective were reporting significant increases in accommodation bookings for Sept 2011 versus September 2010. “It’s been a positive early start for the season and we know our increase in International Visitors relates to Rugby World Cup 2011. For us the tournament has been a real success”

Annie Dundas, General Manager of Hawke’s Bay Tourism said the organisation was very pleased with the regions performance during RWC 2011. “It’s great to see the numbers doing so well however it’s equally important that we maximise the legacy opportunities beyond the tournament. Hawke’s Bay Tourism hosted over 100 international media in Hawke’s Bay and the ongoing coverage during the next 12 months will be invaluable. The region has put itself on the world stage and we look forward to building on the successes”

Hawke’s Bay showed early signs of tournament success with August Commercial Accommodation Monitor figures up 15% to 57 027 versus August 2010. International guest nights were up 10.9% to 8089 with Domestic visitor nights increasing by 15.7% to 48 938. Overall occupancy rose from 20.9% to 25.9%.

Mayor Barbara Arnott said overall the tournament had been very positive. “It’s been wonderful to see so much activity in Napier City on and around game days. Clearly, the hospitality and accommodation businesses have benefited prior to Hawke’s Bays peak season and the whole region lifted its game.”

Other regional success included over 500 cruise ship passengers attending a regional wine and food event at Elephant Hill late last week. Magdalena Vandenberg of Elephant Hill said the event was a huge success. “The visitors had a wonderful day and all the businesses involved said it had been a very valuable event to attend. During the tournament Elephant Hill has also seen an increase in international visitors to the restaurant and cellar door”

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