Rugby Ball kicks off in London in November
04 Jul 2008
New Zealand’s giant inflatable rugby ball which became a major tourist attraction at the Rugby World Cup in Paris last year, has scored a new position beside another famous landmark -this time at London’s Tower Bridge.
The giant ball which was erected alongside the Eiffel Tower during the World Cup, will go up on Potters Fields Park near Tower Bridge in November - timed to coincide with the All Blacks Rugby Tour and a major new tourism campaign in the UK.
NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark made the announcement saying the Rugby Ball Venue’s second public appearance from November 25 to December 2 in London would be a major boost to New Zealand’s profile. Almost 138 million people were exposed to coverage of the Ball or saw it in Paris during the Rugby World Cup.
Good timing
The Ball’s presence will coincide with the All Blacks Grand Slam Tour and match against England on November 29. Its London outing is also crucial timing for Tourism New Zealand as it coincides with the launch of a major tactical campaign in the UK.
'The first push for Tourism New Zealand’s new UK campaign will end in November and the Rugby Ball will be a great PR opportunity and a huge public billboard at just the right time,' said Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton.
The International Rugby Board has also announced that it will use the Ball as the venue for the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Allocation Draw on December 1.
'The Ball is a great way to attract attention to New Zealand now and in the run-up to when it’s New Zealand’s turn to host the Rugby World Cup in 2011,' said Mr Hickton.
'We already know that the Ball is a great way to get New Zealand noticed, almost 138 million people were exposed to coverage of the Ball, or saw it in person when it went up in Paris last year,' Mr Hickton said.
Exposure to key market
The UK remains a key market for New Zealand. It is New Zealand’s second largest market for international visitors attracting up to 300,000 a year who spend almost $1 billion.
Potters Fields Park Management Trust said it was delighted to welcome Tourism New Zealand to the park for the launch of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"We very much hope that as many people as possible will visit the Rugby Ball on the park during November and December and learn more about this beautiful country," a spokesman said.
"Potters Fields Park is situated between City Hall and Tower Bridge; with stunning views of the bridge, the Tower of London and the City it is the ideal location to host such a prestigious event as the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool Allocation Draw."
To see a video news release about this latest announcement regarding the giant rugby ball please go to the Videos section.
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