Strong ski season predicted

Strong ski season predicted

Christchurch International Airport is predicting a strong winter ski season given good early snowfalls combined with the airport company's recently launched Australian advertising campaigns.

Spikes are already apparent in online traffic to the airport website www.skidealsnz.com, with a 400% increase in traffic so far this year. "We are experiencing a significant increase in the volume of enquiries and in people booking online, and this has been buoyed by the availability of low airfares on our trans-Tasman routes", says Vic Allen, Business Development General Manager at Christchurch International Airport.

David Wilson, Ski Area Manager at Mt Hutt, says he's already received lots of positive feedback from accommodation providers. "It's looking like we're going to see a huge start to the season, with a very strong desire from Australians to get to New Zealand to ski this year", said Wilson.

Airlines, particularly those flying to Christchurch from Australia's main centres, are receiving early indications that skiers are eager to get into the season in New Zealand.

Jetstar, a low fare carrier to Christchurch, is predicting a strong winter. "The arrival of Jetstar into Christchurch has provided a significant boost to both services and additional seat capacity which we believe will allow the Christchurch, Canterbury, and South Island tourism industry to attract even more skiers and snow enthusiasts this winter," Jetstar Chief Executive Alan Joyce said.

"The expectation of a strong snow season will we believe stimulate demand for our flights. Jetstar's current New Zealand sale has direct flights available for just $189 one way from the Australian east coast. Jetstar is well placed to support existing marketing initiatives to attract more Australian skiers across the Tasman this snow season."

"Pre season sales are going extremely well", said Pacific Blue New Zealand Manager, Jo Wedlock. "We are already seeing a significant increase in the number of passengers pre-booking flights and packages for the winter season this year, and expect that a good snowfall this early in the season will help to really drive visitor numbers to the South Island".

ENDS

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