Record Sales for Rugby World Cup 2011 Official Corporate Hospitality Packages
Wednesday 10 February 2010, 4:43PM
By Rugby Travel & Hospitality Ltd
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Demand for Rugby World Cup (RWC) corporate hospitality packages has reached record levels with sales for the 2011 Tournament in New Zealand totalling nearly NZD 25 million only a week since the launch, the company managing the sales process confirmed today.
The most popular hospitality package being sold is the Eden Park Pavilion, a stunning and dedicated hospitality facility that will be created to the same high standard as the award winning facility created at Stade de France for Rugby World Cup 2007. Eden Park Pavilion will be conveniently situated on the Eden Park Outer Oval.
“This is way beyond our expectations and more than double that sold in the first week of RWC 2007 in France where total sales eventually exceeded 100,000 packages,” said David White, Director of Operations at Rugby Travel & Hospitality (NZ) Limited (RTH).
“New Zealanders love Rugby and to experience the demand that we have only further emphasizes New Zealand’s passion for the Game and the desire to be part of the action for RWC 2011.”
There have also been strong sales in Christchurch for the quarter-final matches where New Zealand is expected to play, as well as Wellington for its quarter-final weekend. Most of the sales have been made to New Zealand and Australian companies.
“Our customers obviously see RWC 2011 as a fantastic way of hosting clients from New Zealand and around the world and our wide range of packages, designed to meet the varying needs of different customers provide them with a great way of enjoying all the action of the Tournament from the best seats in the house,” said David White.
Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset, believes that the record sales are a reflection of the globally renowned RWC brand and the unique business networking environment it promotes.
“The official corporate hospitality programme is one of RWC commercial success stories and this record interest reflects the Tournament's stature as the world's largest sporting event. RWC 2011 corporate hospitality customers will have access to wonderful facilities, a unique sporting experience and a world class environment in which to entertain key clients and guests.”
The record sales were welcomed by Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament organiser, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011). “We have said all along that RWC 2011 will be a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand to the world and the strong demand for corporate hospitality underlines our confidence that we are staging an event that will provide a unique experience for thousands of visitors and local fans.”
RWC 2011 Official Corporate Hospitality Programme sales began on 1 February 2010.
Where to purchase Official Corporate Hospitality Packages for RWC 2011
RTH continues to alert supporters to the presence of a number of unofficial operators who are illegally offering match tickets and hospitality for the Tournament. Supporters obtaining match ticket inclusive hospitality packages from unofficial sources risk having their match tickets cancelled and being refused entry to, or being evicted from, a RWC match venue.
Only Official Corporate Hospitality Agents and their approved sub-agents, are entitled to provide packages combining RWC 2011 match tickets and hospitality.
Only two Official Corporate Hospitality agents have been appointed for RWC 2011:
Hospitality NZ 2011 Ticketek/John Eales5
www.hospitalitynz2011.co.nz www.ticketek.com/rwcnz2011
Supporters should only deal with Hospitality NZ 2011, Ticketek/John Eales5, or one of their officially appointed sub agents. Official sub-agents will be clearly identified as having been officially appointed by Hospitality NZ 2011 or Ticketek/John Eales5.
Official Corporate Hospitality Agents
Hospitality NZ 2011 a joint venture between The Eden Park Trust, owner and operator of New Zealand’s leading Rugby ground, the Auckland Rugby Union, and corporate hospitality experts Experience Group.
Ticketek/John Eales5 a joint venture between major sales and ticketing agents Ticketek and leading Australian corporate hospitality provider International Quarterback trading as JohnEales5.
Rugby Travel and Hospitality (NZ) Ltd (RTH)
RTH is a joint venture between multi-national catering and support service provider Sodexo and corporate hospitality, sports travel and event management specialists Mike Burton Group.
RTH have been awarded exclusive rights for the management of the Travel and Hospitality Programmes for RWC 2011, New Zealand.
About Rugby World Cup:
RWC is the world’s third-largest sports event, broadcast to a global audience of 4 billion. It has provided the financial platform for investment and growth in the Game. The net RWC 2007 surplus of £122.4m (around NZ$280m) has underwritten a range of major funding initiatives including annual national Union grants and Strategic Investments via the £48 million programme between 2009-2012 focusing increasing competition across the global Game.
An independent Deloitte report identified the total economic benefits for the host nation as being up to £2.1 billion. Other major attractions of hosting the Tournament include promotion of the country, a Rugby and sports legacy and a feel good factor.