American Express Harbour Home of the America's Cup

American Express Harbour
Home of the America's Cup Regatta

Auckland (January 26, 2000) – Travel and financial services company American Express is today confirmed as the naming rights sponsor of New Zealand's most successful tourist attraction.

The spectacular harbour created on the Auckland waterfront for the America's Cup defence is now officially called the American Express Harbour. It will also be referred to as the "Home of the America's Cup Regatta,” a title endorsed by the four million individual visits during New Zealand's winning campaign in February 2000.

The naming rights sponsorship of the area, previously known as the Viaduct Harbour, is for at least the next three years. American Express has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Team New Zealand, which has a contract with Auckland City to manage the waterfront area for the duration of the next America's Cup regatta.

Anna Hynes, Country Manager for American Express, said the company intended to promote the American Express Harbour as both a domestic and international tourist destination.

“We are keen to work with all parties involved in the American Express Harbour, particularly the America's Cup 2003 organisation, Auckland City and all the stakeholders who are passionately involved in the area. We want to see this wonderful arena fully utilised by both New Zealanders and international visitors; from now until the America's Cup,” Ms Hynes said.

Ross Blackman, Chief Executive of Team New Zealand and America's Cup 2003, acknowledged the ongoing commitment of American Express to the overall success of the America's Cup in Auckland.

"We are proud to be associated with such an internationally recognised organisation. As the largest travel agency in the world, American Express appreciates the benefits of promoting the venue of the world's most prestigious sailing event as a desirable tourist destination," said Mr Blackman.

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