Tourism NZ, Christchurch Airport commit $6m to joint venture

14 April 2016
For immediate release

Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch Airport sign $6m commitment in new JV

Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch Airport (CIAL) have today signed a new MOU committing $6 million to jointly promote New Zealand through Christchurch Airport.

The new agreement is for an initial period of three years with annual plans to be agreed.

This strategic agreement builds on a strong working relationship between the two organisations and will focus on advertising, PR and trade activities.

René de Monchy, Director Trade, PR and Major Events Tourism New Zealand is keen to get started on the new programme of work.

“Our two organisations have worked together for a number of years to grow the number of visitors from key overseas markets and determine how we can best invest our resources to benefit Christchurch, the South Island and New Zealand’s tourism industry.”

“We’ve built in a range of individual in-depth plans and targets for our largest markets of Australia and China as well as for South East Asia.”

“Over the first year we’ll carry out campaign activity to promote South Island road trips departing from Christchurch, aligned with Tourism New Zealand’s focus to attract visitors to more regions. Other activities include research and enhancing and updating our imagery of the south.”

Justin Watson, Chief Commercial Officer - Aeronautical at Christchurch Airport says the airport is the South Island’s largest tourism business and the main gateway for international visitors so it makes perfect sense to work with Tourism New Zealand on encouraging even more visitors to experience the South Island.

“We know that when an international visitor enters through Christchurch Airport they spread out through the regions of the South Island more than through any other entry point. This creates a significant economic footprint for the regions of the South Island. It also creates a great opportunity for visitors to experience the vibrant and ever changing city of Christchurch.

Both René and Justin are delighted that the combined efforts of Tourism New Zealand and CIAL will see a renewed commitment to maximise the value of the overseas visitor market for Christchurch, the South Island and New Zealand.

ENDS

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