Aussie Skiers Head for New ZealandDate Published: 29 July 2010 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 700,000 Australians hit the slopes while in New Zealand. |
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