Christchurch hotels, bars and restaurants are preparing for a boost from a rare run of international sporting events over the Labour Day long weekend, which Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) estimates will inject about NZ$10mn into the city’s economy.
More than 68,000 people are expected to pass through the city’s venues during the week, which began on October 21 with the sell-out Constellation Cup netball match between the Silver Ferns and Australia’s Diamonds at Wolfbrook Arena. The Blackcaps play India in two T20 cricket internationals at Hagley Oval on October 22 and 24, and One NZ Stadium hosts a Rugby League World Cup double-header on October 25, with the Kiwis facing the Cook Islands and the Kiwi Ferns playing France.
The week closes with Canterbury against Northland in the NPC rugby grand final at One NZ Stadium on Labour Day, October 26.
Hospitality and accommodation operators are reporting increased bookings and reservations compared with previous Labour weekends, Hospitality NZ said.
“Without a doubt, hospitality and accommodation businesses do better when events are on,” said Kristy Phillips, Chief Executive of Hospitality NZ. “Major events create opportunities right across hospitality and accommodation. They bring visitors into the region, encourage locals to get out and about, and give people more reasons to socialise, support and connect in our bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels and motels.”
Jeff Peters, Hospitality NZ’s Canterbury Accommodation Chair, said peak demand in Christchurch was “very much event driven” and that the city would not usually see events so close together in October. He said the addition of a world-class stadium in the central city had drawn events that Christchurch might otherwise have missed.
Labour weekend traditionally marks the start of the busier season for New Zealand’s hospitality venues. November’s calendar in Christchurch includes New Zealand Cup Week, the All Whites’ football match against India, further Blackcaps fixtures against India and a Robbie Williams concert.
Sporting events are a growing draw for destinations worldwide, from Dubai’s city half marathon to Valencia’s sport tourism push.
