8 SEPTEMBER 2011

Britz Gets First Glimpse Of Global Fanfare Pouring Into NZ

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd website reports campervans have become the accommodation of choice for visitors, with around 1000 vans looking to park up on game nights.

Popular campervan brand Britz has staged an exciting welcome for thousands of international sports fans touching down in New Zealand this week, who will be pouring into Britz branches to commence their exciting rugby adventure.

With major customer arrival days taking place on the eve of the big event from September 8 and 9, French, British, South African, Argentinian and Australian rugby lovers will get a dose of pre-kick-off hype as Britz branches have been transformed into veritable fan zones, replicating host stadiums throughout New Zealand. Think Astroturf, scoreboards and flags!

Kate Meldrum, General Manager of Marketing and Customer Experience at Britz says they are thrilled to lay-on some first-class Kiwi hospitality, proud to play its part in demonstrating to some of the 95,000 expected guests what an extraordinary tourist destination New Zealand truly is.

"Britz is completely sold-out for the month of September and we couldn't be more excited about this spectacular tournament New Zealand is about to host.

"When New Zealand won hosting rights, a stadium of four million was promised and that stadium atmosphere will start at the Britz branches around the country. Being the first stop for many travellers, we hope that their experience here will more than set the scene for the rest of their journey."

Meldrum says Britz has received a record volume of French coming through, the highest number of customers from France on record for the campervan brand.

"The French don't traditionally visit New Zealand in such vast numbers so these arrivals present us with an exciting opportunity to show them the best of what New Zealand has to offer. It really is our time to shine and Britz, along with the rest of New Zealand, is grasping the opportunity with both hands," she adds.

Britz is also encouraging customers to transform their mobile home-away-from-home into a fan zone of their own with Show Us Your True Colours, an initiative inviting people to decorate their vehicles with paraphernalia on sale throughout its branches, including clothing, flags, rugby balls and face paint.

Under Show Us Your True Colours, Britz has also issued 20 vehicles sporting flags of the 20 participating countries to inspire other customers to spruce up their own vehicles. Britz Show Us Your True Colours will be highly visible throughout the six-week tournament.

"To meet the influx of bookings, Auckland Council has done a great job in establishing three temporary sites around Auckland which will boost capacity on top of the permanent holiday parks in Auckland and the surrounding area. Westhaven Marina, next to the Harbour Bridge can take 98 vans and is a prime location, but the bulk can be directed to Alexandra Park in Greenlane which is acting as a secure park and ride venue," Meldrum continues.

"According to Auckland Tourism, the park will be able to accommodate 960 vans in the car park and on the track if needed. West Auckland has the Waitemata Rugby Club Caravan Park which can accommodate 62 campervans, and is within walking distance of the Sturges Road railway station which provides a direct link to Eden Park, downtown Auckland and beyond."
Britz branches are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown and further information can be found at www.britz.co.nz.

ENDS

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