New partnership for Christchurch Airport announced in China

A new partnership for Christchurch Airport announced in China

A new strategic partnership has been announced in China between Christchurch Airport and GZL International Travel Service Ltd, one of China’s largest travel agencies.

At a function in Guangzhou today, the airport’s Chief Executive and GZL President outlined their plans to get more Chinese travellers to visit the South Island.

Malcolm Johns says “ Christchurch Airport was the fastest growing point of entry for Chinese travellers arriving in New Zealand last year and we want to keep it that way. In short, Chinese visitors have discovered the South Island and that is great news!,” he says.

“Christchurch Airport has seen a 48% increase in Chinese arrivals in the year ended June 2014, compared to the prior year, while the New Zealand total saw an 8% increase. Those figures underline the South Island being the engine room for New Zealand’s brand image in China.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel told the gathering the relationship between the two parts of the world is very special, growing and important to us all.

“Many of the arriving passengers are drawn to the South Island scenery they have admired in travel brochures, but this partnership also highlights business to be done together. Many Chinese want the education we offer, cultural exchanges, trade, agriculture and to play a part in the broader South Island economy,” she said.

GZL President Zhu Shaodong explained the partners will work with airlines who want to bring Chinese visitors to the South Island.

“The next 18 months will see a very full calendar of marketing activities to meet the high demand here and also further raise the South Island profile, especially in Southern China. We are confident the recent growth in Chinese visitors to the South Island can be continued with positive work between our two companies,” said Mr Zhu.

Mr Johns says “The airport company is making a concerted and very focused effort to increase passenger numbers over the next decade from 5.7 million p.a. to 8.5 million p.a. Together, our two companies had much success last year and have formed this positive relationship to keep that going. Christchurch Airport has China as a priority growth market and we will continue to invest in growing visitor numbers from China to the South Island, with Christchurch as the gateway.”

Note: The marketing campaign will see circa $600k invested in growing the China market to the South Island.

ends

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