Canterbury’s reputation as an incentive destination is on the rise with a new initiative, announced by Christchurch Airport at CINZ Meetings 2016, set to boost interest in the region.
Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau manager, Caroline Blanchfield, says the Bureau is delighted to be working with Christchurch Airport to build Canterbury’s name as an incentive travel haven.
“Christchurch Airport’s bold invitation to destination management companies to pitch them an idea is a chance to remind everyone why Christchurch and the Canterbury region is a great incentive travel destination,” she says.
“This is a fantastic starting point to ramp up our incentive business into the city and region and put us firmly back on the map for incentive travel.
“Canterbury has the perfect recipe for incentives. We offer a huge variety of locations for groups of all sizes, and a vast range of activities, attractions, unique venues and new hotel stock – all within easy reach of Christchurch Airport.
“Our incentive buyers are excited to learn more about Christchurch as the international gateway to the alpine and marine playgrounds of the South Island. We stretch from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, and our region is one of the most diverse in New Zealand,” she says.
Canterbury gems like the alpine thermal resort of Hanmer Springs, Akaroa’s boutique French village set on beautiful bays, and the Mackenzie’s Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo all offer something unique.
Star-gazing, high country farm experiences, whale watching, foraging tours, jetboating, 4WD adventures, heli-picnicing in the Alps, golf at an alpine resort, or natural spa relaxation are among a myriad of options.
“Co-ordinated experiential group activities from some of the world’s top operators make the most of this superb destination. And our talented event managers create bespoke experiences, including offsite dining and entertainment with full kitchens and marquees set up in the most spectacular locations,” Blanchfield says.