Food, cruise ships, and football boost economy

Media Release
22 November 2013

Food, cruise ships, and football boost economy

The unlikely combination of food, cruise ships, and football has proven once again how valuable the events and tourism business is to Wellington’s economy, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“The announcement today that this year’s Wellington on a Plate was the most successful yet is great news for the local economy, especially coming a day after one of the city’s busiest days of the year.

“Visits by two cruise ships, which brought a total of 6000 people, and the football international on Wednesday gave the city an estimated windfall of $8 million, with bars and shops benefiting the most from the influx of visitors.

“That was a fantastic result for just one day’s work, and with a busy cruise season ahead we can expect more days close to that, especially as it’s estimated each visitor spends an average of $100 while they are here.

“Then, Business and Economic Research Ltd (Berl) put the icing on the cake with its report on Wellington on a Plate, which showed than more restaurants, food producers, and suppliers got behind this year’s event than ever before and attracted more people than ever, resulting in a $4.1 million boost for the economy over the two-week period.

“Berl reports that 3540 people from outside the region attended the various events, with an estimated 25,670 unique festival-goers going to ticketed events – a 25% percent increase from last year – proving that this is another annual event we must keep going.

“Events and tourism are one of the biggest jewels in Wellington’s crown, and we must ensure we continue to strive to build on them.

“This city proves time and again that it can do this and do it well.”

ENDS

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