Golden Autumn in Central Otago
Central Otago is turning green and gold – and not just with the colours of autumn. As we head into Easter weekend the continuing rise in Australian visitors highlights the popularity of the region to our closest neighbours.
Tourism Central Otago has been busier than usual putting the region on the map for Australians over the last twelve months. “Not only have we achieved great media exposure for Central Otago’s cycle trails, with the most recent being a 6 page article on Central Otago cycling in the March 2015 Qantas Inflight magazine – ‘The Australian Way’ (Estimated Advertising Value of approximately $94,500 NZD), in February we held successful meetings with Travel Wholesalers who are keen to add Central Otago in their range of holiday offerings” said Pam Broadhead, Marketing and Product Development Manager.
“Together with participating in Tourism New Zealand’s ‘Cycling’ special interest category marketing and the current marketing campaign ‘South Island Road Trips a joint venture with TNZ, Christchurch Airport and South Island RTO’s we have utilised these opportunities to ensure that Central Otago remains on the radar for people planning a holiday to New Zealand.” said Mrs Broadhead
The results to date are impressive – with a $1 million rise in estimated electronic card expenditure for the Australian market year ending Dec 2014 versus Dec 2013 (Reference MBIE Tourism Expenditure Data). The (MBIE) regional tourism indicators index confirms that this growth has continued through from the end of 2014 into the first quarter of 2015, with each month between November 2014 and Feb 2015 recording between 12 to 31% rise over the same month the previous year.
Central Otago Motel Association President Debbie Reece says “All Motels in Central Otago have recorded a very busy summer and autumn. February 2015 is recognised as being the busiest February on record and the normal domestic holiday tourism model is changing – with International numbers increasing all the time. We are certainly seeing more Australians as well as a growth in visitors from the USA. Moteliers have not stopped since Christmas and with that on top of a huge November and excellent forward bookings (our motel is already booked out for Easter 2016) makes for a very positive outlook.” She said“
For more Information:
Pam Broadhead
Marketing and Product Development Manager
Tourism Central Otago
Ph: 027 597 8444
E: pam.broadhead@codc.govt.nz
Debbie Reece
Central Otago Motel Association President
Cromwell Motel
Ph: 03 445 0373
E: info@cromwellmotel.co.nz