Rotorua-Christchurch-Queenstown flights good news for tourism

The decision by Air New Zealand to fly larger jets between Rotorua and Queenstown, via Christchurch, next summer is being welcomed by Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) as a positive move for New Zealand tourism.

CIAL General Manager of Aeronautical Business Development Matthew Findlay says the airline’s additional capacity offered by six jet services a week over the 2012-13 summer will enhance the flow of tourists into the South Island.

“We have been getting feedback for a long time from travel wholesalers and tourism operators in Japan, China, Malaysia and Singapore that their travellers want to see the South Island, “says Mr Findlay.

“The travellers are very clear on what they want to see in New Zealand and we know they come here expecting to see the southern mountains and lakes. Offering more capacity on flights from the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the stunning South Island scenery will be very attractive to those Asian tourists.

Mr Findlay says meeting those travellers’ expectations will not just benefit the South Island.

“Statistics show visitors consistently spend more time and money in the South Island, so we need to help move those visitors efficiently and in greater numbers between the two islands to realise and maximise the value of tourism to the whole country,” he says.

“It is important for airlines, airports and tourism operators to work together to deliver the best experience to visitors – and this is a good example of doing just that.

Mr Findlay says Christchurch Airport is already considering ways to enhance its programme of activity in off-shore markets to support this increase in capacity and further grow the visitor economy for the benefit of the entire South Island.

ENDS

© Scoop Media