Tourism Operator’s Visit Reinforces Resolve to Sell Akaroa

Tourism Operator’s Auckland Visit Reinforces Resolve to Sell Akaroa

19 April 2011

Leading Banks Peninsula Tourism operator Black Cat Cruises says a trip to visit inbound operators in Auckland last week reinforced the company’s resolve to highlight the fact that Akaroa was unaffected by February’s earthquake.

Black Cat Cruises was the first Christchurch based tourism company to visit key inbound tour operators since February's earthquake and Managing Director Paul Bingham said the visit “highlighted the enormous challenge the Canterbury tourism industry has.”

“Inbound tour operators are vital suppliers of business for companies like Black Cat and although there was a fair amount of sympathy and support there was also uncertainty about the state of tourism infrastructure and there was much more in the way of myths and information that was just completely wrong.”

Bingham said it was very important not to just think about the next month but to also focus on next summer season and next year.

“Akaroa was untouched by February’s earthquake and it’s important to have visitors still come to the Canterbury region rather than bypassing it altogether.”

He said there was a perception that visitors have to travel through Christchurch to get to Akaroa and so Black Cat Cruises has produced a map that clearly shows travel routes to Akaroa that to do not require travelling through the city.

“We are distributing the map to all key tourism industry trade, including information centres and rental car companies. If you don’t want to you do not have to go anywhere near Christchurch city to get to Akaroa.”

He says it is very important that domestic and international visitors realise that Canterbury is open for business and that Christchurch still has an important ‘gateway’ role while recovery proceeds.

“The region of Canterbury has some great options for visitors, and the French inspired village of Akaroa offers relaxing restaurants, great cafes, sailing, cruising on the harbour and swimming with the rare Hector dolphins.”

“We are not sitting on our hands waiting for business to come. We are being as proactive as possible and we are spending money to ensure the right messages are getting out.”

Bingham said activity included an off shore sales trip with Tourism New Zealand to Kiwi Link North America, an annual opportunity for the New Zealand tourism to educate a targeted audience of US and Canadian travel sellers, and attending TRENZ, the largest annual international tourism trade event held in New Zealand.

“Some inbound operators are planning itineraries that complete miss Christchurch and as a consequence are by passing Akaroa. Queenstown to Akaroa is only 40 minutes more travel time than Queenstown to Christchurch airport.”

“Akaroa has virtually no earthquake damage and over the next few months we want to do a better job of promoting these sorts of places in Canterbury."

ENDS

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