Kiwis are packing their ski gloves this winter
MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 14 July 2011
Kiwis are packing their ski gloves this winter
The recent winter blast
couldn’t have arrived soon enough, with New Zealanders
keen to hit the slopes this winter, latest research shows.
According to the latest Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton Mood
of the New Zealand Traveller Survey, released by the Tourism
Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), one in five Kiwis
(19%) plan to go skiing or snowboarding this winter.
Fly Buys chief executive Lance Walker says the snow
may have been delayed this season, but our eagerness to get
up the mountain hasn’t waned.
“While seasoned pros
are returning to the ski-fields this season, the poll found
that just over 80,000 Kiwis will be giving skiing or
snowboarding a go for the first time.
“When it
comes to the fierce rivalry between skiing and snowboarding,
skiing is still proving to be the most popular, favoured by
almost twice the number of Kiwis - 11% of us are going
skiing, 6% snowboarding and 2% are doing both,” he says.
TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says a strong ski
season is just what is needed after a challenging few months
in the South Island.
“It hasn’t been an easy time
for South Island tourism, and a delayed start to the ski
season hasn’t helped. But with the ski-fields starting to
open and more snow forecast we’re hoping the South Island
tourism industry receives a much-needed
boost.
“South Island ski fields are a clear
favourite with Kiwis. Coronet Peak, followed by Cardrona are
voted the best places to ski or snowboard by mountain-goers.
But for most of us the North Island fields are closer to our
major population centres, so that’s where the majority of
us will actually visit,” Mr Cossar says.
Despite
people hunting out snow, two urban hotspots top the list of
destinations to visit in winter. Wellington remains at
number one, Auckland second and Queenstown third. Colmar
Brunton
Chief Executive Harry Pappafloratos says
these results aren’t surprising.
“These cities
were the top three in March this year when we conducted our
last survey, but what is surprising is that Rotorua has
moved into 4thplace – up from 8th place in March. Rotorua
has always been a hotspot for international tourists. It’s
interesting to see Kiwis are heading there too,” he
says.
When it comes to international travel, the poll
found 43% of New Zealanders are planning an overseas trip in
the next six months and Australia, US and UK are our top
three international hot-spots respectively.
“Interestingly, Thailand has moved into 5thplace
this time around, knocking Fiji out of the top five,” Mr
Pappafloratos says.
For the full report visit
tianz.org.nz
ENDS