Tourism industry delighted by Quake City announcement

Canterbury Museum has today announced Christchurch’s latest earthquake attraction, Quake City, much to the delight of the city’s key tourism operators.

Sponsored by Canterbury Museum, The Press, EQC, Fletcher Construction Ltd, Placemakers Riccarton and Warren & Mahoney, Quake City will open in Re:Start mall in February 2013 during the height of the summer tourist season.

Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright says the business- and community-led initiative will provide a point of interest for domestic and international visitors to Christchurch wanting a special earthquake experience.

“Quake City has been developed following high demand from leading business and community groups wanting to retain an earthquake attraction in Christchurch,” he says.

“As a city in recovery, the new attraction will provide a point of difference for Christchurch and result in more visitors spending time the region over the next few years.”

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Tim Hunter says the opening of Quake City early next year could not have come at a better time, particularly when international interest in Christchurch and earthquake tourism continues to increase.

“The tourism market in Christchurch reaches its peak towards to the end of February so the opening of Quake City will help boost the tourism activity in the region. This will also contribute to the region’s economic recovery, which is great news,” he says.

Anthony Wright says after months of planning he is delighted to be able to announce the Quake City attraction, particularly before Christmas as it gives locals and tourists something to look forward to in the New Year.

“With the Museum’s Canterbury Quakes exhibition now on tour around New Zealand, Canterbury needs an earthquake attraction that reflects what the region has endured since the seismic activity began in September 2010. Quake City fills that need.”

Quake City will open to the public on 15 February 2013.

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