Tourism Facilities Grant for Christchurch icon

Minister of Tourism Mark Burton has today presented the Christchurch Arts Centre with a cheque for $50,000.

The funding is drawn from the Tourism Facilities Grant programme, which is designed to enhance international visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of New Zealand’s nationally significant tourism facilities.

The grant to the Arts Centre will assist in its construction of an “Arts Centre Trail,” marked by a combination of new directional and interpretative signage. The signs will provide high-quality, readily accessible information about the centre’s history, points of interest, events and attractions, bringing a more in-depth, enjoyable experience of the centre for all its visitors.

New signage will also guide visitors to areas on-site that are traditionally under-visited.

Mark Burton was impressed by Christchurch’s achievements in tourism as a whole.

“Christchurch’s tourism product is truly something to be proud of. With a lively entertainment scene, a strong cultural heritage, and a beautiful natural landscape, the city acts as both a destination in itself and a gateway for international visitors.

“Tourism is indeed one of the stars of your local economy. In the year ended January 2003, Christchurch enjoyed 300,000 visitor nights spent in the city—an increase of nine percent in commercial guest nights over the previous year. This is an excellent performance when viewed on its own, but it’s even more impressive when compared with the national increase of just over six percent.

“As one of New Zealand’s most significant historical and cultural attractions, the Arts Centre is an integral part of this tourism experience. Of the 1.5 million visitors to the Centre each year, 375,000 are international tourists. The improved signage will enhance their experience of one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions.”

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