Invite colleagues
The tourism folks that I am speaking with in New Zealand are worried that Christchurch's quake problems will become a national issue for the multibillion dollar tourism industry – one of the country's top export earners. International travelers spend about $4.3 billion a year in the South Island alone, according to Christchurch Airport.
Further, it is being reported in the papers that the earthquake has resulted in an immediate reduction in the number of tourists, particularly from Australia, going to Christchurch. Visitors were finding it hard to get beds because of the central city lockdown and demand from rescue and long-term recovery workers. The loss, for the short term at least of around 3500 hotel rooms plus many more backpacker rooms in the central business district means it will be a long haul getting the tourism industry back in shape. In Christchurch, the gateway for South Island tourism, I would argue will push come hotels and tour operators to the wall.
When I spoke at ITOC earlier this year in Auckland, the mood for the tourism sector was quietly optimistic given the Rugby World Cup heading to the shores of NZ. But this must be under a cloud with Christchurch having been devastated on the 22nd Feb. Even, New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key seems worried and stated the possibility of using cruise ships in Lyttelton to provide accommodation during the Rugby World Cup in September.
But Kiwi's are a resilient bunch and will bounce back... just hoping that the path for most will not be as bad as I expect. In a small way, I hope that the presentation I created can help some folks to attract tourists to their venue, hotel, guest house or participate on your tours. Given the cost consciousness of those in Christchurch and needing to just get some business through the door, I have restricted my tips and ideas of marketing Christchurch to the social media channel.
If you are in Christchurch and want any advise or ideas about marketing your business then please just send me a mail and I will be happy to give you a call.
Written on Saturday, 05 March 2011 22:37 by Matt McDougall