RWC 2011 Travel & Hospitality Programme exceeds expectations

27 October 2011

Official RWC 2011 Travel & Hospitality Programme exceeds expectations

Rugby Travel & Hospitality (RTH) is delighted to have delivered a highly successful Travel and Hospitality Programme for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The Official Travel Programme exceeded all forecasts, with more than 30,000 international visitors travelling to New Zealand to experience the Tournament.

The Official Hospitality Programme also enjoyed immense success, with the flagship venue, Eden Park Pavilion, setting a new standard in hospitality in New Zealand.

RTH Operations Director, David White, says the company has received extremely positive feedback from overseas guests and locals alike.

“International visitors have enjoyed watching world-class Rugby in a country passionate about the Game while also experiencing the very best of our unique culture and Kiwi hospitality.”

Large corporates have also made the most of the Tournament, hosting key clients and guests from New Zealand and around the world.

“The success of the official corporate hospitality programme reflects the Tournament's stature as one of the world's largest sporting events. Corporates have had the benefit of networking in a high quality environment that celebrates Rugby World Cup,” says Mr White.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset, says “The success of the Rugby World Cup commercial programme underpins the development of the Game with revenues being reinvested in Rugby worldwide in order that more nations can be competitive not just at Rugby World Cup, but at every level.”

“Rugby World Cup commercial partners, including those involved in the Travel and Hospitality Programme, know that their investment is being used to fund key development programmes such as High Performance Centres in the Pacific Islands or artificial pitches in Georgia.

“These are exciting times for Rugby and I would like to thank RTH and all partners for their immense contribution to the sport’s future growth.”

Official Travel Programme

Official Travel Packages offered Rugby fans from all corners of the world the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime event.

A global network of 20 Official Travel Agents were appointed by RTH to sell Official Travel Packages for RWC 2011. In addition, three official cruise ships were berthed in Auckland to provide much sought after accommodation for the latter stages of the Tournament.

More than 30,000 international visitors travelled to New Zealand through the Official Travel Programme. Australia, as forecast, provided the strongest market with 36% of the packages. France was the real surprise, with French Travel Agents accounting for 23% of all orders.

Official Hospitality Programme

RTH developed a range of onsite and offsite hospitality packages for RWC 2011, to suit all needs and budgets.

The most popular hospitality package was Eden Park Pavilion, a stunning $7 million hospitality facility purpose-built by RTH on the number two field at Eden Park. Pavilion hospitality guests enjoyed a four-course fine dining and entertainment experience, as well as the best seats in the house.

Mr White says the Pavilion has raised the bar for corporate hospitality in New Zealand.

"Eden Park Pavilion was the perfect platform for showcasing the very best of New Zealand produce and cuisine."

“We have been extremely impressed by the level of professionalism shown by all local suppliers who have helped to deliver a highly successful hospitality programme. “

Looking forward

RTH has been re-appointed to exclusively manage the Official Travel and Hospitality Programmes for the next two Rugby World Cups in England 2015 and Japan 2019.

RWC 2015 in England and RWC 2019 in Japan will create new opportunities and help maximise commercial revenues for reinvestment in the Game, enabling the sport to reach developing Rugby markets.

ENDS

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