New air service a win for South Island and tourism

New air service a win for South Island and tourism

Today’s announcement of a new air service linking Christchurch and southern China will help deliver on the tourism industry’s goal of growing total annual tourism revenue to $41 billion in by 2025, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

TIA is welcoming the news that China Southern Airlines will operate three services a week to Christchurch Airport from December.

The tourism industry’s Tourism 2025 growth framework identifies increases in sustainable air connectivity as critically important to boosting the industry’s value from its current $24 billion a year. Measures to support the recovery of tourism in Christchurch and the South Island are also highlighted in Tourism 2025, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts says.

“This new service will support jobs and regional economies around the South Island. We know that offering new routes helps stimulate demand, so we look forward to seeing more Chinese visitors year round,” Mr Roberts says.

This is great news for the South Island at a time when the dairy economy is suffering, he says. The announcement also demonstrates China Southern Airlines’ confidence in the long-term trends for Chinese travel to New Zealand.

“Tourism 2025 has identified that when new sustainable air connections are established the whole industry benefits. I encourage tourism operators to support this new service by offering fantastic activities and experiences to Chinese visitors so they will promote New Zealand as a holiday destination to their family and friends. By supporting this new service, we can ensure it continues well into the future.”

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