Mayor accepts Christchurch Airport’s request to visit China

Mayor accepts Christchurch Airport’s request to visit China

Over the past twelve months, Christchurch has been the fastest growing entry point for Chinese visitors arriving into New Zealand and China has been one of New Zealand’s fastest growing tourism markets.

Christchurch Airport is very focused on building its relationships and its joint marketing activity for the South Island.

Chief Executive Malcolm Johns says the airport will lead a delegation of senior tourism leaders from the South Island to Guangzhou next week and has invited the Mayor of Christchurch to join it.

“We will be making a flying visit and are honoured Mayor Lianne Dalziel has accepted our invitation,” says Mr Johns. “In Chinese culture, a Mayor is highly respected and treated with deference. Having our Mayor join our delegation will add enormous mana and standing to this mission.

“The Mayor has the ability to open doors that may not otherwise be open to us,” he says.

“It is not unusual for New Zealand companies to have assistance building relationships in China. We have seen many such visits, including the mayors of Auckland and Wellington travelling to China to support delegations in the past.”

Mr Johns says because the airport requested that the Mayor join the delegation, it will cover all her costs, which are estimated at just over $7,500 in airfare, hotel, transport and other related costs. This expenditure will come from existing business development budgets.

BACKGROUND

Christchurch Airport has seen a 48% increase in Chinese arrivals in the year ended June 2014, compared to the prior year. This compares to an 8% increase for all NZ.

Recent data published by MBIE shows Christchurch has seen a 55% increase in Chinese visitor expenditure in the year ended June 2014, compared to the prior year. This compares to an 8% increase for all NZ.

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