News release
29 April, 2009

Prime Minister to get special briefing from Canterbury’s tourism leaders
 
 
Canterbury’s collaborative approach to countering the downturn in international visitors will be the focus of discussions when Tourism Minister John Key meets with stakeholders in Christchurch tomorrow.
 
During his first official meeting with Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism leaders since assuming responsibility for the tourism portfolio, Prime Minister Key will be briefed on the core focuses of this region from a tourism perspective and how the region’s industry is responding to the challenges posed by the economic recession and falling international visitor numbers.
 
He will also meet with 400 tourism operators and other significant players in what is Canterbury’s largest export industry before giving an address to the gathering.
 
Tourism supports around 16,000 jobs and adds $5.5 million dollars every day into Christchurch’s economy through hotels, restaurants, activities, shops and taxis. Of this 50 per cent comes from the international market and 50 per cent from domestic visitors. Over the last 12 months visitors to Canterbury have spent over $2 billion in the region.

“There are some positive opportunities for the 2009/2010 year, with cruise bookings looking favourable for our region and Australian visitor numbers holding strong. We are looking at strategies for extending that to all areas of the tourism sector.
 
“The Rugby World Cup in 2011 is set to have significant impact on tourism in this region and we are already working on marketing it to the world,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince.

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