INSIDE TOURISM – EXPORT MATTERS
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT) recently hosted the Tourism Export Council Board meeting and the Board stayed on for a day of sightseeing. It goes without saying that the Board were extremely impressed with the progress that has been made in the CBD in the last twelve months and the tide and fortunes are starting to change for CCT and tourism operators.
Visitor numbers are up for FIT’s and groups are starting to return. International guest nights are 33% up for Christchurch and 23% for Canterbury (end June 2013 quarter), indicating that international visitors are keen to see how the rebuild is developing. For those that weren’t aware, the CBD is back in action with all cordons down and you can walk or drive around the CBD area from Latimer Square through to the Botanical Gardens. Accommodation newly available in the CBD brings the total inventory up to 62% of pre earthquake and includes the following: Rendezvous (171 rooms), Novotel (154), Heritage OGB (36), Ibis (155), Rydges Latimer Hotel (138), Quest Serviced Apartments (72) and the’ boutique’ Hotel 115 with 30 rooms.
The Rendezvous is located at the entrance of new Regent St which has an ensemble of cafes, fudge, cookie, whiskey stores and more. The Cardboard Cathedral is located in Latimer Square and a beautiful building to look at and fascinating story of construction. It is able to host an array of functions and be a functional Anglican place of worship for up to 700 people. Opened in August 2013 it has proved itself to be a key visitor attraction and the 185 white memorial chairs representing those that lost their lives nearby (every chair is different), is a poignant and respectful reminder. The Christchurch Cathedral in the Square remains an impressive sight and the city council has done a great job of structuring walls around the entrance, peppered with mini wall gardens and bursts of colour. Other attractions include the ReStart Container Shopping Mall, the Quake City exhibition, Punting on the Avon, city sights tours with Hassle Free Tours, Rebuild Tour or Bike Tours. The Christchurch Gondola re-opened in March and the Tram will open soon, meaning all attractions are back. Six to seven new restaurants are being opened each month and of course the Botanical Gardens and Museum continue to be focal point when visiting Christchurch.
CCT is anxiously awaiting the final Government go-ahead on the Convention Centre as it is a crucial catalyst for new investment in hotels, restaurants and other tourism infrastructure.
The best recommendation on visiting Christchurch would be to take a city sights tour on arrival. It helps you appreciate how far they have come, looks at current realities and identifies future progress. Then when you or your customers have to walk that little bit further to get to a restaurant or bar, you understand why? I’ve always loved Christchurch and as a guide in past, every visitor has also loved Christchurch. Lonely Planet acknowledges the vision and excitement of a city rebuilding itself and rates it in their top ten cities of the world.
Show you support to Christchurch by booking or recommending a holiday sooner rather than later – they are well on the way to recovery and you won’t be disappointed!