Holiday homes expected to become more dominant in international and domestic tourism market

Holiday homes will play a bigger part next summer in the national and international tourism market, a leading tourist operator said today.

Bachcare owner Leslie Preston made the comment today following the release of Statistics New Zealand’s latest accommodation survey which showed an upturn in international visitor guest nights.

``More and more people are asking for holiday homes. Clearly, we are at the forefront of a very exciting trend and change in the tourism market,’’ Preston said.

``We urgently need high quality homes throughout the country to meet the growing international demand. Holiday home owners will soon see a growing market in domestic and overseas tourists.’’

She said more holidaymakers wanted to rest up in homes and houses by the coast rather than just hotels in the city.

They could enjoy the special touches of natural New Zealand near a beach more than staying in a four star hotel in downtown Auckland, Wellington Christchurch.

Preston said New Zealanders need to hold on to the traditional Kiwi bach experience.

Summer holidays in holiday homes are part of the fabric of NZ society and shouldn’t be destroyed, she said.
``Progress is fine but the NZ coastline shouldn't get turned into line of condos. There needs to be a balance between progress and sensitivity to the local environment.

``A lot of New Zealanders love the traditional beach house, as well as the renovated Kiwi bach. We are certainly seeing a range of demand from the very basic bach to the exclusive holiday home.

``Certainly, the demand for the kiwi bach and the modern holiday homes is not easing off. People want a choice, and Bachcare aims to service the needs of the entire holiday home market.’’

She wants to see local authorities ensure that large coastal areas don’t entirely lose sections of Kiwi baches and holiday homes.

``Our biggest areas of demand are in the Coromandel, particularly in Hahei and Cooks Beach. We have seen huge demand in these areas from both Kiwis and international visitors.

``In many instances last summer, we had to accommodate renters desiring Hahei and Cooks Beach into the nearby areas of Whitianga or Tairua.

``The Kiwi infatuation with the good old Kiwi bach is stronger than ever. Interest has been enormous these again this year which is great.’’

Taupo and the Rotorua Lakes, as well as Hawke’s Bay, the Marlborough area, as well as the Southern Lakes are also very popular areas for both Kiwis and international visitors, she said.

Preston last year won the NZ Sales and Marketing Institute’s entrepreneur marketer of the year.

The institute said her creation of a total bach care service for owners and renters had hit a chord with holiday-makers nationwide.

Bachcare was also a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2006. Bachcare manages more than 300 holiday homes all over New Zealand. The company has doubled in volume in the last 12 months.

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