As the New Zealand winter sets in, ski fields up and down New
Zealand are seeing an increased number of Australians hitting the
slopes in search of a winter ski holiday.
June
visitor arrivals from Australia were up 7.5 percent on June
2009, a positive indication for a promising ski season.
Last year was the first year Tourism New Zealand and the
industry ran an early ski campaign in Australia, with the industry
reporting an influx of Australians on the slopes as a result.
Tourism New Zealand Regional Manager Australia Barry Eddington
says New Zealand provides good value for money and a fantastic
winter holiday experience for the Australian ski market.
"New Zealand ski holidays are often comparative to, or cheaper,
than a domestic ski holiday in Australia," says Barry
Eddington.
"Great cooperative marketing campaigns, very positive word of
mouth and increased direct flights have been factors benefiting the
New Zealand ski industry, as Australians cross the ditch making for
another bumper ski season.
"The increased arrivals from Australia for the beginning of July
are the result of school holidays in Australia, and continue
predictions of a positive ski season. Last year Australian winter
holiday arrivals were up 28 per cent."
Hamish McCrostie, Ski Area Manager of Coronet Peak, says he is
seeing a trend of Australians choosing New Zealand for their
overseas ski holiday.
"Australia is a key market for us and the significant increase
in airline capacity direct into Queenstown is an indicator of the
demand", says Hamish McCrostie.
Tourism New Zealand launched its
early-bird ski campaign, targeting Australian skiers and
snowboarders, in February this year. Aimed at repeating the success
of last year's winter arrivals, the ski marketing activity has been
complemented by the Ski Tourism Marketing Network (Ski TMN) and via
the Regional Tourism Organisations as part of their joint
venture work.
Australia is the largest single international market for skiers
and snow boarders to New Zealand. Last year over 70,000 Australians
hit the slopes while in New Zealand.
Asian markets growth positive
Statistics New Zealand figures show international visitor
arrivals to New Zealand were up 8 per cent in June 2010, compared
to June 2009, to 145,800 visitors.
Growth was lead by a recovery in key Asian markets following
last year's Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic, and a strong
start to the winter season out of Australia.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says the return
to growth, particularly among the Asian markets, added to
confidence that New Zealand was getting back on track with
international arrivals.
However, visitor arrivals from Western markets were down in
June. Political and economic uncertainty and a 'stay at home'
effect of the FIFA World Cup were among factors influencing the
decline in arrivals from the US, UK and German.