New Clefs d'Or South Island Delegate Conflicted Over Rugby

Newly elected Les Clefs d’Or South Island delegate Fiona Lawson is committed to supporting Christchurch as New Zealand’s gateway to the south, but is having trouble knowing who to back when the Crusaders play the Highlanders.

When Fiona, like most of her colleagues at Crowne Plaza Christchurch, found herself without a trading hotel following February quakes, Crowne Plaza Queenstown leapt at the opportunity to embrace Fiona as Chief Concierge. Hence the issue of which rugby team to support.

Holding Les Clefs d’Or keys for over five years, Fiona loves tourism and is passionate about providing exceptional customer service. In her new Clefs d’Or delegate role, she’s responsible for securing sponsorship for the 2013 Les Clefs d’Or International Congress, but is personally committed to sending the message that Christchurch is getting back on its feet when the Congress welcomes the world’s top Concierges.

“400 delegates from some of the greatest hotels in the world are expected to attend the Congress. This presents an awesome opportunity to showcase New Zealand and its many tourism attractions,” she said.

“We also need to send a strong message that Christchurch remains the beautiful gateway to the South and that the South Island offers visitors the ultimate pure experience all the way from Nelson to Stewart Island.”

“I am delighted to have been appointed the South Island representative of Les Clefs d’Or and am already working towards ensuring that while Congress is a fantastic event for New Zealand, it also clearly demonstrates ongoing support for Christchurch.”

Until Fiona returns to Christchurch, Queenstown and Central Otago provide a fantastic home base - apart from the rugby team issue.