A campaign offering free return flights between Wellington and Westport has generated strong interest in visiting Buller, with all available tickets claimed almost immediately.
The initiative, a partnership between Development West Coast, Promoting Buller, Buller Car Rentals and Originair, offered free return flights to Wellington travellers who booked a rental car for a weekend in Buller.
Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne says the campaign successfully turned available airline seats into visitors.
“The tickets disappeared almost immediately.
“The aim was to turn available seats into visitors who would come and experience Buller and spend locally while they are here.”
Following the strong response, Development West Coast released additional tickets, which were also quickly claimed.
Promoting Buller chair Jessie Creedmore says the campaign will help build longer-term awareness of the district.
“We know how powerful word of mouth is and the more champions we have, the better.”
Development West Coast is providing temporary support for Originair’s twice-weekly Westport–Wellington service through to the end of August while longer-term options for regional air connectivity are considered.
