21 December 2015

Tasman Mayor seeks to attract more Chinese tourists

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne plans to explore the opportunities for Tasman and the top of the South Island to attract greater numbers of Chinese tourists, who are being brought closer to the region through direct flights to Christchurch.

Mr Kempthorne attended events marking China Southern Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Guangzhou to Christchurch last week, which included a Mayoral Tourism Forum hosted by the airline.

China Southern Airlines will initially operate three flights a week on the route, with plans for daily flights if demand is great enough.

Mr Kempthorne said the forum gave the 12 South Island mayors who attended the opportunity to discuss the collaborative efforts being undertaken with Christchurch International Airport to package the South Island as an entire tourist destination.

“It’s important for Tasman and the top of the South Island to identify the key points of attraction within our region for Chinese travellers in order to make the most of the greater numbers who will be beginning their New Zealand experience in the South Island.

“China Southern Airlines’ frequent flier programme has approximately 23 million members, and it’s clear that there’s significant potential for increasing tourist activity across the top of the South. It’s an opportunity that I will be looking to explore with the tourism sector and our tourism operators.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media