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Christchurch hospitality and accommodation businesses are preparing for an extra long-weekend boost as a rare run of major international sporting events brings thousands of fans into the central city – injecting an estimated $10 million into the economy.
The action kicks off today when the Silver Ferns take on Australian Diamonds in the sell-out Constellation Cup match at Wolfbrook Arena, followed by the Blackcaps facing India in two T20 internationals at Hagley Oval on 22 and 24 October.
A Rugby League World Cup double-header then takes the spotlight on 25 October at One NZ Stadium with the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns taking on Cook Islands and France.
The sporting bonanza will culminate with Canterbury facing Northland at the NPC grand final at One NZ Stadium on Labour Day.
More than 68,000 people are expected to pass through the sporting venues across the week, which will see a significant boost in spending at Christchurch’s hospitality venues.
Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ) chief executive Kristy Phillips says events of all shapes and sizes are important for hospitality and accommodation businesses, but a string of events across the week will have the city abuzz.
“Without a doubt, hospitality and accommodation businesses do better when events are on.
“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.”
Hospitality NZ’s Canterbury Accommodation Chair Jeff Peters agrees and adds: “Christchurch peak demand is very much event driven and usually we wouldn’t have events like these so close to each other in October, showing that the addition of a world class stadium in the central city has drawn events that the city may have otherwise missed out on.”
Hospitality and accommodation operators are reporting encouraging signs ahead of the long weekend, with early indications of increased bookings and reservations compared with previous Labour weekends.
Labour weekend traditionally marks the start of the busier season for hospitality venues, as warmer weather and events encourage more people to get out and about.
There is optimism that the string of sporting events could provide an early boost ahead of an action-packed November, with New Zealand Cup Week, the All Whites taking on India, further Blackcaps fixtures against India, and a Robbie Williams concert among the events expected to bring increased activity to Christchurch.
