Queenstown was recently named on TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list for 2022 – a welcome positive story for the South Island tourist town.
The US magazine and website put together a list of 50 wonderful places from around the world using its international network of correspondents and contributors.
It’s an accolade Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult says the town is “delighted” to hear about.
“TIME Magazine is probably one of the most respected publications worldwide, so it’s a very good list to be a part of.
“The magazine is US-based, and I’m being told by hoteliers and airlines that the bookings out of the US for this coming summer are very strong.
“That’s probably reflected by the persona that our little part of the world has.”
The news doesn’t come as a surprise to the Mayor Boult, who has been Queenstown-Lakes’ Mayor since 2016.
“I think it’s a wonderful recognition and if I’m honest it doesn’t surprise me. I do think that I’m honoured to be the mayor of the most beautiful part of the world.”
TIME listed luxury accommodation, entertainment, outdoor activities and the soon-to-be-launched the world’s first winery airline as some of the things to do in Queenstown.
But Mayor Boult says there’s more to the town than that.
“TIME Magazine talks about the adventurous activities, but it’s also the wine trails, the shopping, the restaurants, the bike trails, et cetera, et cetera.
“There are plenty of things that make up a visit to this part of the world.”
Queenstown was hit hard by COVID earlier this year, with reports speculating Omicron could ‘close’ the tourism-reliant town, and Mayor Boult says this accolade has come at the right time.
“It’s been a tough two-and-a-half years, and a number of businesses have failed around our town.
“Many of those that have survived are sort of the ‘walking wounded’. To get this sort of publicity at this time is wonderful.
“Clearly the world has changed: people have realised COVID isn’t going away and they’re ready to get on with their lives and making the decision to start travelling again.
“I hope this converts to some good, solid bookings for the summer season.”
Mayor Boult says pre-COVID, the US was Queenstown’s second-largest market, followed closely by China, and says he hopes this news converts into tourism bookings.
“The US market has always been significant for us, but even more so now.
“We are looking to shift the value proposition to the higher end traveller. The US market has always been a positive, high-end part of the market, which is where we’re trying to go.”
And when asked why he thinks Americans like Queenstown, he answered: “they love the people”.
“People look at me a little bit sideways when I say that but we’re a friendly bunch. A lot of them say they can’t believe how welcome they feel when they come here.
“Obviously the physical attributes of the district are a big attraction, but I think it’s also that Kiwis are a pretty relaxed bunch – I think the Americans like that.
“They fall in love with the lifestyle.”
