Record number of guest nights in Christchurch this summer

13 May 2016

Record number of guest nights in Christchurch this summer

Tourism in Christchurch is going from strength to strength, with the city recording the highest number of international guest nights over the summer period since the earthquake events of 2010 and 2011.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism says a total of 561,540 international guest nights were recorded between December 2015 and March 2016, an 11 per cent increase from the same period the previous year and a 75 per cent increase from the same period the year following the earthquakes.

“We are in a pivotal phase of redevelopment, and our impressive new buildings and meticulously restored heritage treasures all make for a fascinating destination. It is no surprise Christchurch is experiencing renewed tourism growth,” says Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive, Vic Allen.

Mr Allen says more than $40 billion is being ploughed into the rebuild of the city, making it the largest economic undertaking in New Zealand’s history.

In the past two years three new hotels and a new backpacker development have opened, and several more are soon to start construction. By December 2017, the airport will offer 264,000 rooms a year on the airport campus – a 200 per cent increase. Current accommodation in central Christchurch has reached a total of 304 properties and 5,640 guest rooms, with more to open in the coming year.

Christchurch Airport has seen 10 per cent growth in overall airline seats in the past year, to 7.9 million, provided by 10 commercial airlines flying more than 10,000 international flights per annum and connecting to key Asian and Australasian hubs that fly more than 200 million passengers.

“Our airport contributes three-quarters of South Island international arrivals, and is the New Zealand’s fastest growing entry point for Chinese visitors, with a 40 percent increase recorded in the past year,” Mr Allen says.

The city and region are in high demand at the largest tourism industry event in New Zealand this week, TRENZ, with Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism hosting three full appointment streams and meeting with over 160 trade and media representatives.

“The Canterbury region has a strong representation at the event with 25 booths displaying under the Canterbury umbrella, a positive sign of renewed vigour and positivity in the industry.”

For more information go to www.christchurchnz.com

ENDS

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