New Partnership to Steer Tourism Recovery

The rebuilding of Christchurch’s tourism industry has taken a major step forward today with the announcement of a new partnership aimed at getting the ailing industry back on its feet.

The partnership will see Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism, Christchurch International Airport Limited, Christchurch City Council and the Ministry of Economic Development working together to rebuild the city’s tourism infrastructure and to market Christchurch and Canterbury to the world.

“Tourism is one of the most important drivers of our economy so it is vital we get our tourism industry back on its feet as quickly as possible,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

“The new Christchurch and Canterbury Travel and Tourism Partnership (CCTTP) will provide us with the leadership and the resources needed to make that happen. It represents a significant step forward and should bring substantial benefits not just to this region but to the whole of the South Island.’’

Under the partnership agreement a steering party made up of representatives from each of the member organisations will develop a new Activity Plan for the region. This Activity Plan will essentially be a roadmap to recovery and will outline the projects and activities that need to be accomplished in the coming months.

The steering party will closely monitor progress on implementing the Activity Plan and provide leadership where needed.

CCT will continue with its day-to-day operations of marketing the Christchurch and Canterbury region to potential visitors, assisting tourists, and providing support to tourism and travel operators in the region.

It will also be charged with implementing the Activity Plan.

CIAL will provide CCT administration and management support and funding of up to $125,000 for the immediate public relations and communications activity required to keep key stakeholders informed of the evolving tourism status of Christchurch & Canterbury. It will also contribute $500,000 towards the cost of implementing the Activity Plan.

Jim Boult, CIAL’s Chief Executive, says that supporting the stimulation of Canterbury’s tourism industry is a crucial objective of the company.

“This partnership will provide much needed support to our region and greater South Island tourism as we put the events of the past six months behind us,” he says.

We are looking forward to continuing our close working relationship with CCT and enjoying a revitalisation of our tourism industry in the coming months and years.”

The Ministry of Economic Development will match the funding provided by CIAL and also provide funding for CCT to recruit a senior policy advisor whose key role will be to liaise with central and local government entities as the rebuilding process begins.

The Christchurch City Council, which provides CCT with baseline funding of $2.2m per annum as per its previous funding arrangement, will also provide an additional $350,000 towards the cost of implementing the new Activity Plan.

Mayor Bob Parker says the new partnership is a practical initiative to help our tourism sector, which has suffered since 22 February.

"It's vital that we protect this sector to ensure the viability of our commercial operators and also the jobs of their staff," Mr Parker says.

"We have to get out now with the message that our tourism industry is still operating and that Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island which is open for business and as beautiful as ever. For example Akaroa, part of Christchurch City, is geared up for business as usual and tourists need to know this."

“The road ahead is going to be challenging for all involved in the Canterbury tourism industry, but I firmly believe this new partnership provides us with the leadership and the resources needed to overcome some of the key challenges we face.

“This partnered approach is the best solution to the problems facing us and I am confident that together we can rebuild our industry and again make Christchurch & Canterbury a world class visitor destination,’’ Mr Hunter says.

ENDS

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