Auckland-Queenstown Alliance will boost economy

Auckland-Queenstown Alliance will boost economy

Christchurch Airport believes the newly announced alliance between Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport will boost the South Island economy by increasing tourism numbers. “We’re pleased Auckland Airport is following our lead in developing tourism numbers to the South Island, which will further enhance the work CIAL has done with South Island tourism over the last few years,” said Chief Executive of Christchurch International Airport (CIAL), Jim Boult. “It’s a positive sign that Auckland Airport is making a commitment to invest the money and resources that we know is necessary to further lift the South Island’s profile for visitors.”

“Christchurch airport has led the way in actively developing South Island tourism and we work successfully with many regional tourism organisations, including Nelson-Tasman Tourism, Destination Queenstown, Wanaka Tourism, Tourism Dunedin, Christchurch Canterbury Tourism, Tourism West Coast and Mt Cook-McKenzie.”

“At the moment 92% of all international tourists to the South Island come through Christchurch Airport, and we still deliver the majority of tourists to Queenstown,” said Boult. “I don’t see this reality changing. We have developed a leading position in this area, as evident by the four national and international marketing awards won by Christchurch Airport last year.”

“We have a strong relationship with both Queenstown airport management and their local council, and we will continue to work with the Lakes District tourism organisations. We don’t see that this alliance will change our relationship with Queenstown, or our future plans or growth opportunities.”

Jim Boult stated that he didn’t believe there was a need to take an equity stake in other airports to facilitate route development. “We’ve always worked on the basis that we bring our expertise to the table, and work alongside regional tourism organisations, which has successfully grown visitor numbers each year.”

Christchurch Airport has a proven marketing development team who have developed routes into Christchurch, including the introduction of Emirates, Pacific Blue and Jetstar.

Christchurch Airport also works internationally with wholesalers such as China and India, whose visitors enter and exit New Zealand through Christchurch Airport. The marketing team will again be in South East Asia early next month, visiting five countries. “This is a regular occurrence, specifically targeting our top ten opportunities,” said Mr Boult.

Mr Boult said that Christchurch Airport will continue its focus on bringing in new tourists and developing new routes. “We are currently in discussion with a number of airlines who would like to fly in to Christchurch, and Queenstown is of interest to their passengers along with other renown South Island destinations.”

CIAL supports all initiatives that grow tourism as a whole for New Zealand. “We understand that as Queenstown continues to grow, so will Christchurch Airport as a key gateway into New Zealand.”

ENDS

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