Christchurch puts out the welcome mat
10 Sep 2010
Visitors heading to Christchurch in the aftermath of the recent earthquake are in for a surprise - not only is the city alive, well and operating normally but there are added incentives for tourists to visit.
Special deals and offers of support have seen legendary Canterbury hospitality extended to not only include discounts but also free entry to some of the region’s major tourist attractions.
Keen to dispel international perception, the New Zealand tourism industry has clubbed together to help Christchurch and Canterbury spread the word that it is business pretty much as usual for tourism in the region.
Normal travel to the Canterbury region is being encouraged via internet and social media websites with companies able to post special offers and messages to potential visitors.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has also gone on camera to welcome visitors back to the city and reinforce the business as usual message.
98% unaffected
While the earthquake was a major event, less than 20% of Christchurch was affected and there was no loss of life.
Tourist operations were virtually unaffected - the airport was only briefly closed and 98% of tourism operators, attractions, hotels and accommodation providers have remained open.
A travel advisory against non-essential travel to the central city was lifted today (10.09.2010).
"There’s still plenty to see and do in the Garden City," says Mayor Bob Parker.
As well as incentives and the Mayor’s welcome back video, the Christchurch and Canterbury NZ Facebook page features positive photos and comments supporting the region’s recovery.
New Zealand’s major tourism organisations want travellers to help Christchurch and Canterbury get back to normal as quickly as possible, by visiting the region to help keep local business going.
The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) has set up a Quake Break Facebook page where tourism operators can post special offers.
"Nearly all accommodation, transport, activities and attractions in Christchurch and Canterbury are open for business and ready to look after visitors. The last thing they need is for people to cancel or change their travel plans," said TIA chief executive Tim Cossar.
"Most operators are back to ‘business as usual’. We want them to remain operating and keep their staff employed, and suppliers in business."
Traveller safety
Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ) chief executive Fergus Brown says the safety of travellers is the industry’s priority.
But large parts of the Canterbury region were not damaged by the earthquake, and services and infrastructure are operating normally, says Brown.
All holiday parks in the region are fully functional and able to host visitors.
Motel Association of New Zealand (MANZ) chief executive Michael Baines says if people have questions about planned travel to the region they should contact their accommodation provider or travel agent.
Up-to-date information is available from Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism at www.christchurchnz.com.
"Christchurch is definitely open for business and visitors will be able to find a bed," says Baines.
Lodges open
Garrick Emms of Lodges of New Zealand says business is proceeding as normal in all except one of the region’s lodges.
"Visitors can be assured of warm hospitality and no interruption to normal service levels," says Emms.
Inbound Tour Operators Council chief executive Paul Yeo says that despite what has happened it’s important that tourism and travel continues as normal.
"I know my members are committed and able to provide the best available service to visitors in the coming weeks and months. There is certainly no good reason why anyone should be concerned about their forthcoming holiday and we look forward to welcoming them as usual."
Special offers
As well as Christchurch and Canterbury tourist attractions offering special deals for residents needing time out to recover from the earthquake, other tourist operators around the country have joined in and are also offering opportunities for people to take a break.
A number of accommodation, transport and activity providers throughout New Zealand have already made special offers and a Quake Break Facebook page has been set up by TIA where operators or members of the public can post deals.
New Zealand Hotel Council chair Jennie Langley says she is sure operators will get behind the initiative.
"This is one way that the wider tourism industry can offer concrete assistance to Christchurch and Canterbury people. The sooner we can help them get back to normal, the better."
More information
Christchurch - Canterbury NZ on Facebook
Christchurch Quake Break on Facebook
Kiwis and Aussies first to help out
Christchurch earthquake update
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