September 13 2011

Christchurch Airport Wins Award for Scenery Experience

Christchurch International Airport has won an international award for its innovative theming.

The airbridges and video theming initiatives around the airport won The Best Arrivals Experience award at the 2011 Future Travel Experience awards in Vancouver.

Airport Chief Executive Jim Boult says the award proves it’s not only travellers who are being wowed by the theming.

“We want to make Christchurch an unforgettable airport, from the moment people step off the plane,” he says. “This award suggests we are on the right track.

“Visitors step off international flights into themed airbridges, with floor-to-ceiling images of amazing scenery. Each theme is enhanced by appropriate sounds or smells – scenes of MacKenzie Country have the sweet smell of hay and the golden sandy beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park have the familiar scent of sunscreen.”

Mr Boult says the theming has been a fantastic collaborative effort by many airport staff and agencies, as well as a wider South Island team. Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL) has worked with regional tourism organisations, local authorities and photographers to showcase the South Island to visitors.

“Travellers passing through Customs see the largest video wall in Australasia, with stunning images of our mountains, lakes and forests. The overall idea is to bring the South Island outdoors inside and reinforce Christchurch Airport’s brand as New Zealand’s Tourism Gateway.

“We showcase the landscapes to inspire travellers arriving in Christchurch to see more of the South Island. Add to this some great South Island hospitality and we offer the complete experience.”

ENDS

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