Queenstown-based mobile concierge company launches

January 29 2015

Queenstown-based mobile concierge company launches to simplify and demystify activity booking process

Concierge Queenstown, a mobile concierge company aimed at simplifying the booking process for activity and restaurant bookings, launched today (Thursday 29 January 2015).

The brainchild of former Le Clefs d’Or Concierge, Steve Hanrahan, Concierge Queenstown offers a complimentary service to clients much like an in-hotel concierge desk, taking care of all guest’s activity recommendations and bookings, including dining arrangements.

With the increase of private accommodation, B&Bs, villas, motels and apartments, Concierge Queenstown aims to fills a gap in the market offering a one-stop-shop in the comfort of people’s accommodation.

“Working with all local activity operators, restaurants, and transport companies, I work with individuals and groups to ensure their visit to Queenstown is everything they hoped it would be and more,” said Mr Hanrahan.

“Having worked in Queenstown tourism for a number of years I know the market well and have spent years talking to visitors about this great town, yet I could only assist guests in the hotel I worked in.”

“The accommodation mix has changed over the years with more private rentals, B&Bs and motels and some guests unable to access the traditional services of a hotel concierge.

“The increasing number of booking offices in downtown can be confusing for people and often they have long queues. I created Concierge Queenstown to simplify and demystify the process for visitors and save them precious time so they can get on and enjoy all the town has to offer,” he said.

Concierge Queenstown offers clients two pre-visit phone calls via Skype, one to discuss the type of holiday or trip each client wants to experience and a second follow up call to finalise details and bookings.

Alternatively clients can make contact when they arrive and Mr Hanrahan will visit them in their accommodation.

Concierge Queenstown operates on a commission basis from activity operators as a normal hotel concierge would and passes no charge on to individual clients. Charges for larger groups, dedicated activity desks and more in-depth activities may apply and will be communicated upon inquiry.

“I can book anything a client wishes from ‘talk of the town’ activities that everyone knows about like jet boating, bungy jumping or visiting wineries to ‘the pass less traveled’ experience for those wanting something really unique”.

Upon arrival, Mr Hanrahan meets clients at a preferred location such as airport, holiday home or their accommodation, to confirm the itinerary and to give each client a New Zealand SIM card for use during their Queenstown stay.

“The complimentary SIM card ensures guests can contact me during their stay to change bookings, and even add more things on,” said Mr Hanrahan.

“I will also confirm weather-dependent activities-saving the client time – and should an activity be cancelled I will always offer alternatives. By this point I know the guest well enough to be able to suggest activities to suit them.

“It really is tailored to each individual,” he said.

Mr Hanrahan also offers concierge and activity booking desks for large conferences and events in the area, providing an efficient and streamlined service for organisers.

“I’m here to take the stress away from conference organisers and hotel events staff who often need to concentrate on the event itself not partner programmes or pre and post event activities.

“I liaise with clients before the event so all activities are pre-booked for delegates and/or partners. It makes it really simple,” said Mr Hanrahan.

Concierge Queenstown can also organise other ‘memory maker’ experiences such as marriage proposals, small family get togethers, special occasions and other events where an on-the-ground-expert can help make it extra memorable.

“I get great pleasure from making other people happy and ensuring that everyone leaves Queenstown with memories unique to them. Concierge Queenstown enables me to impart my extensive knowledge and love of the region to others,” he said.

"If anyone is visiting Queenstown and is unsure of what to do while they are here, they should contact me, no matter how long they are here for or the size of their budget."

About Steve Hanrahan
Steve has always been passionate about customer service and worked for some great companies in the UK over the years, such as Pentax, National Car Rental and LEGO.

Whilst working for these companies, Steve quickly learned that customers trust a brand and they will remain loyal to that brand as long as “you live the ideals that you built that brand on”.

One of Steve’s passions is talking to many, many people from different walks of life, countries and cultures. From a young age Steve dreamed of traveling and seeing what the world was like outside of England.

He first came to New Zealand for a three week holiday in April 2004. His friends were based in Christchurch and while here they went on a little road trip around the South Island. The trip was mind-blowing and simply stunning, but it was the scenic drive from Wanaka to Queenstown via the Crown Range that changed Steve’s life.

Steve still remembers to this day the feeling of being completely overwhelmed by the spectacular views that greeted him at the top of the range looking out over Queenstown. The group based themselves in Queenstown for just three days, but Steve knew then he would return and this would become his home.

He did a few years later and met his wife and now has two fantastic kids, both born in Queenstown.

“The outdoor way of life and the stunning scenery we wake-up to every day is something that drives us and keeps us here. The culture of 'Work to Live' not 'Live to Work' is a huge influence on our lives.”

During my time here, I’ve been lucky enough to fulfill my passion of meeting new people from all walks of life and sharing our special place with them. I look forward to sharing this special place with others too.”

www.conciergequeenstown.co.nz

ENDS

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