The Hobbit Pivotal to ‘Wellywood’

The Hobbit Pivotal to ‘Wellywood’

Positively Wellington Tourism will be devastated if The Hobbit isn’t made in Wellington, Chief Executive David Perks says.

The direct spend and destination profile associated with the city’s ‘Wellywood’ reputation plays a key role in tourism’s $1.4 billion contribution to the region’s economy every year.

The Hobbit has been set to cement Wellington and New Zealand even further on the world stage – both as destinations and as innovative leaders in filmmaking, Mr Perks says.

“We would be devastated to see the production move offshore for obvious economic reasons, but also for all of the incredibly talented Wellingtonians who have poured their heart and soul into this project, and for all of the people who have supported them.”

The Lord of the Rings’ contribution to the Wellington economy continues almost a decade after the first film premiered in 2001.

“There’s still very strong demand for information and tours associated with the trilogy nearly a decade after The Fellowship of the Ring hit screens. Tourism trade and media throughout the world have been champing at the bit to brochure more film tours and tell new stories about Middle Earth. We hope they still get the opportunity to do so.”

ENDS

Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT)
PWT is the regional tourism organisation for Wellington. It is a council-controlled organisation primarily funded by Wellington City Council through the Downtown Levy, a targeted rate paid by commercial ratepayers in downtown Wellington. PWT funding does not come from Wellington City Council general rates.

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