Queenstown business community calls on councillors

Wednesday, 25 June 2014, 2:13 pm
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

Queenstown business community calls on councillors to progress
Convention Centre

Queenstown, New Zealand (25 June 2014) - Destination Queenstown and the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce are today urging Queenstown Lakes District councillors to vote in favour of the recommendation that the council approve the next steps in the development of a Convention Centre for Queenstown.

Representing a broad cross section of commercial and industry sectors the two agencies support the resolution to proceed with the development of a world class convention centre for the benefit of the wider community.

Thursday’s affirmative vote will secure the opportunity to continue weighing up the positive benefits to Queenstown and the wider region, including the creation of jobs, attracting high value visitors, driving year round visitation and the establishment of a multi-purpose facility that the community can be proud of - all which contributes to the wellbeing of our community.

Mark Quickfall, Chairman of Destination Queenstown, believes the Convention Centre on the Lakeview site will be a world class, fit for purpose development in the right location.

“If we fail to keep this project alive now then we will be stealing this opportunity from our future generations. Queenstown must strike now and complete full due diligence while central government and the industry are investing in growing the high value convention sector. Imagine if Queenstown had voted down the Events Centre all those years ago – it’s hard to believe there was a strong possibility of that happening at the time,” says Mr Quickfall.

Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Charlie Phillips, said support for this proposal is not only from the tourism and hospitality sectors but also a wide range of sectors represented by the Chamber.

“We are confident that the benefits to the region’s businesses and community will far outweigh the rate contribution being considered,” says Mr Phillips.

ENDS

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