September snow boosts Queenstown visitor numbers

Thursday, 11 November 2010, 11:52 am
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

10 November 2010

September snowfall gives Queenstown visitor numbers a boost

Queenstown’s biggest spring snowfall in years has been a key contributor to September’s strong visitor numbers according to Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt.

Released today, Statistics New Zealand’s Commercial Accommodation Monitor (CAM) shows that in September 2010, Queenstown’s total visitor nights were up 9 percent to 196,686, with international guests accounting for 68.1 percent. International visitor nights were up 9.5 percent to 133,970 and domestic visitor nights up 7.8 percent to 62,716 compared to the same time last year.

Mr Everitt says a number of factors contributed to September’s result.

“We had the biggest spring snowfall in years which brought fantastic spring snow conditions and extended our ski season, Conference & Incentive activity was strong and there was also increased joint venture marketing activity from the industry, Tourism New Zealand and Destination Queenstown in Australia - all of which contributed to filling extra air capacity,” he says.

“The result helped offset some earthquake-related cancellations, particularly from risk-adverse Asian market, and ongoing tough economic conditions in the UK and USA.

“Hotels have generally done quite well during September although some activity operators and retailers appear to have been quieter due to the shift in visitor mix.

“One thing that’s good to see is a recovery in domestic guest nights which coincides with the launch of Destination Queenstown’s television commercial.”

John McIlwain, the head of Queenstown’s Hotel Association, says it’s another great result for Queenstown.

“Throughout the region, a boost in the C&I market coupled with the ever increasing flight capacity into the resort directly contributed to positive year on year growth for September. Moving forward, recent announcements on new routes out of Asia and China into both Christchurch and Auckland are likely to produce a positive spin off for the region."

ENDS

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