RWC 2011 Match Allocations Offers Huge Opportunity

RWC 2011 Match Allocations Offers Huge Opportunity in Australian Market

Today’s Rugby World Cup 2011 match announcement offers a prime opportunity for Wellington to build its profile in the imperative Australian market, Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks says.

Wellington will host two quarter-final matches and five pool matches, which is expected to pump an estimated $45 million into the capital’s economy in 2011. As well as hosting Australia during the pool play, Wellington is guaranteed to host our neighbours in the quarter finals – unless of course they don’t make the cut.

“Today’s announcement offers Wellington a prime opportunity to build our profile in New Zealand’s banker market in the days leading up to Rugby World Cup 2011 and in the legacy that lasts beyond.”

Wellington will host two major players – South Africa and Wales – in its first of the five pool matches on Sunday September 11, followed by South Africa vs Fiji on Saturday September 17, Australia vs Americas 2 on Friday September 23, and France vs Tonga on Saturday October 1. Wellington will also host New Zealand’s final pool match against Americas 1 on Sunday October 2. (“Let’s just hope that’s not their last match!”)

The real value for Wellington would come through what the city builds around the matches and what it does in the lead up to the tournament, Mr Perks said.

Positively Wellington Tourism is currently investigating ways of funding a large consumer campaign in Australia promoting Wellington as a short-break destination.

“Today’s announcement adds further weight and urgency to that cause,” Mr Perks said.

“We absolutely positively need to be getting in front of Australians as soon as possible.”

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