Akaroa wonders where the visitors are?

1 April 2011

Leading Banks Peninsula Tourism operator Black Cat Cruises is wondering where all the people are?

“Akaroa was untouched by February’s earthquake, and while places like Hamner Springs are booming with visitors Akaroa remains quiet,” Manager Director of Black Cat Cruises Paul Bingham said.

The million dollar question he says is why?

Black Cat Cruises is running a Cruise n Snooze promotion where visitors get an Akaroa Harbour Cruise and a nights’ accommodation in Akaroa for only $109 per person.

It’s a great deal; Akaroa is in great shape and is perfect as a place to get away from the stresses of Christchurch.”

Bingham is concerned there may be a perception that visitors have to travel through Christchurch to get to Akaroa, but says that is not the case.

“You do not have to go anywhere near Christchurch city to come to Akaroa,” he said. “And even if you did most of Christchurch is fine to travel through, there are just some congested traffic areas that you can avoid.”

He says it is very important that domestic and international visitors realise that Canterbury is open for business.

“The region of Canterbury has some great options for visitors, and the French inspired village of Akaroa offers relaxing restaurants, great cafes, sailing, cruising on the harbour and swimming with the rare Hector dolphins.”

Chief Executive of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism agrees with Bingham saying Australians for example might have the view that the whole of the South Island is broken, but it's very localised it's not even the whole of Christchurch city.

"If I had a choice of where to spend my first night in New Zealand, I'd love to stay in Akaroa,” he said.

"It has no earthquake damage whatsoever and over the next few months, we want to do a better job of promoting these sorts of places."

Hunter visited Australia recently to meet airlines to discuss changing schedules so flights arrive into Christchurch earlier, giving people more time to drive to towns outside the city like Akaroa.

Ends

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