Christchurch tourism industry moves forward.
Christchurch city’s tourism industry has taken its first steps towards recovery with the removal of non-essential travel restrictions and reopening of some core services.
Damage during the February 22 earthquake was localised inside the Christchurch city area, and regional tourism activities have continued to operate normally in the surrounding Canterbury region.
Although Christchurch itself is still under a state of emergency and many businesses remain closed, some key local tourism attractions are operating, including the Air Force Museum and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
The Chateau on the Park hotel has also re-opened, which means there are more hotel beds available in the city area.
The Tranz-Alpine train which begins its journey from the city is running scheduled services.
Christchurch Airport
Christchurch International Airport – the major international gateway into New Zealand’s South Island – is fully operational.
The airport offers access to the Canterbury region’s main tourism hubs – Mt Cook / Mackenzie, Ashburton, Kaikoura, Methven, Hanmer Springs and Akaroa.
The regional hubs are ready to cater for extra visitors, providing everything from sumptuous wine and food in some of New Zealand’s finest wineries, to whale watching and swimming with dolphins in stunning Canterbury surroundings.
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter said travellers to the region were being very understanding and seemed happy to modify their plans so they avoided quake-damaged Christchurch but still got to experience the best Canterbury has to offer.
“We’re very pleased that a lot of travellers have chosen to push ahead with their plans to holiday in Canterbury because in doing so they’re helping our economy and our industry at what is a very difficult and challenging time.
“In the months ahead we’re going to need people to support us and one tangible way they can do that is to continue using Christchurch as the gateway to Canterbury and the South Island,” Mr Hunter said.
Government assistance
Many of Christchurch’s tourism operators are relying on government grants to get them through the next few weeks.
They are assessing damage to their operations and working out how they can get back on their feet.
“We’re very grateful for the assistance offered by the government because it gives businesses some breathing space to assess their options and sort out a strategic plan for the future,” Hunter said.
“What we’re facing as an industry is unprecedented in New Zealand and unfortunately there will be no quick fixes. It’s going to take time and money to re-establish Christchurch as a top tourism destination and our industry is grateful for any assistance the government can give us, both in the short-term and in the long-term.”
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