New Zealand’s biggest ski area operator optimistic about 2009
Press release from NZSki Ltd
28
April 2009
Record online bookings,
spectacular trans-Tasman airline tickets, a weak New Zealand dollar
and significant marketing spend in Australia could deliver Queenstown
its “best ever” winter ski season.
New Zealand’s biggest
ski area operator NZSki Ltd is anticipating a boom ski season based
on current forecasts.
Speaking at a Queenstown
Chamber of Commerce event yesterday, NZSki Ltd CEO James Coddington
said a number of positive indications suggested that “the winter of
2009 could be the best ever”.
“I’ve recently returned
from a 10 day trip to Australia and feel buoyed about what I saw and
heard. There’s phenomenal noise about holidaying in New Zealand at
the moment due to Tourism New Zealand’s extended advertising campaign”.
“Consequently, we’ve
seen high pre-season bookings with airlines and a significant increase
in bookings with NZSki on the same time last year.”
Mr Coddington said the
weak New Zealand dollar provided another good reason for Aussie skiers
and riders to choose New Zealand’s slopes.
“Unlike the Australian
ski areas which have increased their prices this season, we’ve worked
hard to hold our pricing at the same level as last year,” he said.
Of the 1.1 million Australians
that actively ski or snowboard, only 60,000 to 80,000 of them visit
New Zealand’s slopes each year. Mr Coddington said he hoped to increase
that number to 100,000 this season.
He said the arrival of
Jetstar in Queenstown in June, a cold forecast for winter by NIWA and
unrest in Fiji and Thailand, making them less attractive holiday destinations,
also contributed to a hugely positive outlook.
NZSki Ltd, which owns
and operates Coronet Peak and The Remarkables ski areas in Queenstown
and Mt Hutt in Canterbury, has invested $78 million over the last six
years aimed at delivering the best possible product for skiers and riders.
A multi-million dollar
investment last year including brand new base facilities and a fully
automated snowmaking system has transformed Coronet Peak into a world-class
winter destination. Meanwhile, continued investment at The Remarkables
and Mt Hutt has improved guest facilities and the quality of surfaces
for excellent skiing and riding.
“If there was ever
a time to come skiing in New Zealand, this is it,” said Mr Coddington.
“Together with our industry partners we’ll be waiting for them with
arms wide open.”
Ends
For more information contact James Coddington 0272298958 or www.nzski.com
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