News release
December 4, 2013

Travellers pick Christchurch as a destination on the rise

Christchurch is winning favour with users of the world’s largest travel website, who have voted the city as the number one ‘Destination on the Rise’ in the South Pacific.

In Trip Advisor’s annual list of Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise Christchurch has come out top of the list of South Pacific destinations on the rise.

Trip Advisor says although Christchurch is still recovering from the February 2011 earthquake it “abounds with arts, adventure and optimism’’ and describes it as the “gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region.’’

Trip Advisor users rated the area for its "dramatic vistas and adventure sports, set against a backdrop of lofty peaks". In the central city, visitors were impressed by the new and reopening attractions and businesses.

“Trip Advisor is a very influential website and its recommendations carry a lot of weight with travellers so we’re thrilled to see Christchurch feature so prominently on its list of Destinations on the Rise,’’ says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter.

“Clearly people are excited about what they see happening in Christchurch and share our belief that a very bright future lies ahead for our city. To get this endorsement from Trip Advisor so soon after Lonely Planet named Christchurch as one of the top places to visit in 2013 bodes well for the future of our tourism industry.’’

Mr Hunter says in the past 12 months Christchurch’s tourism industry has made significant progress on its road to recovery. Several hotels have re-opened, the heritage tramway and the gondola have recommenced operations, and the café and shopping precinct in historic New Regent St has swung back into life.

Work has also begun on the creation of a new river park that will form a green ribbon through Christchurch’s new central business district.

“The Avon River precinct is the first in a series of anchor projects that will completely transform our central city and it is very exciting to see it taking shape,’’ Mr Hunter says.

“When all the anchor projects are complete Christchurch is going to be the envy of cities around the world and a destination unlike any other.’’

For further information and images visit christchurchnz.com

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