NZ open to all during RWC 2011

06 April 2010

New Zealand’s tourism industry needs to be careful not to lose business by focusing exclusively on Rugby World Cup 2011 during the tournament, industry leaders say.

More than 180,000 visitors usually arrive in New Zealand during September and October.  Next year, Rugby World Cup is expected to attract an additional 85,000.

“It’s vital that we ensure the rest of the world doesn’t get the impression that New Zealand is full during Rugby World Cup,” Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.

Even visitors who are not interested in rugby will enjoy being in New Zealand during the tournament, with the numerous arts, cultural and sporting events being planned as part of the RWC festival.

“The total number of visitors likely to be in New Zealand during the tournament is below peak season arrival numbers, so we do have enough capacity for everybody.  Individual regions will face high demand around big match days, particularly Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during the final stages of the tournament.  But other parts of the country will have spare capacity.”

TIA, the Inbound Tour Operators Council (ITOC) and the New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) are urging operators to be realistic about the level of business they can expect from Rugby World Cup.

ITOC Chief Executive Paul Yeo says that fans will travel around the country, as they did during the British Lions tour.  But accommodation providers would also have non-RWC visitors wanting accommodation.

“Inbound tour operators are making bookings and finalising their brochures for the 2011-12 season right now and it’s important to keep working with them so that we make the most of all opportunities,” Mr Yeo says.

ITOs who could not secure accommodation during September-October 2011 will simply cancel tour departures during that period, which would be a loss for the wider industry, he says.

NZHC chair Jennie Langley is emphasising the need for accommodation providers, along with other tourism operators, to continue to nurture their long-term relationships through RWC 2011. 

“The RWC Official Accommodation Bank is still holding some accommodation, but rooms that aren’t required by RWC can be made available to ITOs.  We want all parts of the tourism industry to work together to fill the gaps and ensure our normal visitor flows are not unnecessarily disrupted during the tournament,” she says.

For further information please contact:
Ann-Marie Johnson
Senior Communications Advisor
Tourism Industry Association (TIA)
Phone: 04 496 5001
Mobile: 027 600 4565
Email: ann-marie.johnson@tianz.org.nz