Visitors vital to Christchurch recovery

A vibrant tourism industry is vital to rebuilding Christchurch’s economy, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

In the run-up to the release of the Christchurch Central City Blueprint next month, TIA’s board of directors will meet in Christchurch on Thursday to show their support for the local tourism industry. They will host Christchurch and Canterbury members of TIA at an industry function, as well as meeting a number of local tourism industry leaders.

TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says before the earthquakes, tourism contributed $2.3 billion a year to Canterbury’s economy. But Christchurch has lost over one million guest nights since the February 2011 earthquake. The impacts are also being felt across the South Island, with international guest nights dropping by close to a million in 2011.

“The industry is keen to encourage visitors back to Christchurch and we’re looking forward to the release of the Christchurch Central Development Unit’s (CCDU) Blueprint for the city’s rebuild,” Mr Snedden says.

The tourism industry has identified some key projects that will boost the industry’s recovery as quickly as possible.

“The immediate need is for a central city entertainment zone to complement the Restart Mall. The mall has been highly successful at providing a central city focus but offering both international and domestic visitors a temporary restaurant and entertainment zone would give them a reason to stay in Christchurch and spend more while they are there,” Mr Snedden says.

Lack of accommodation, particularly in the hotel and backpacker sectors, is also impeding the industry’s recovery. It’s vital that rebuilding of central city accommodation takes place as quickly as possible and with a minimum of red tape, he says.

The announcement this week that Magic Bus is reintroducing Christchurch to its itineraries is a great start but improving the city’s entertainment and accommodation options will encourage more group tours to return.

Certainty on the location and timeline for rebuilding the Christchurch Convention Centre will be an essential part of the Blueprint, Mr Snedden says. This will give both accommodation providers and conference planners confidence in the future of the valuable conference and convention sector.

“We are also calling for increased support for Christchurch Airport and its endeavours to secure increased international traffic, which helps not only Christchurch and Canterbury but the wider South Island. Christchurch Airport is the main gateway to the South Island and we want to do all we can to encourage airlines and passengers to come here.”