29 January 2009

NZ's capital city defies current trend for tourism decline

Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, has proven its diversity has helped it to withstand the knock-on effects of the global recession and saw growth in the tourism sector, reports the Dominion Post.

The increase in visitors to the windy capital has been attributed to clever marketing strategies of its primary source of attraction: diversity. 

Tourism numbers were up by 2.4 per cent in December 2008 when compared to the same period last year, which goes against the trend of major tourists hot spots around New Zealand. 

Chris Sperring, general manager of the YHA in the city, told the Dominion Post Wellington can thank its success to its marketing strategy and its continual attraction for cultural and popular events, including high profile sports events and music festivals.

"The amount of good quality events we pick up in Wellington is just fantastic."

Next week, the Westpac Stadium ("Cake Tin") will be hosting the IRB Sevens World Series, which will attract rugby fans from all over the world to the small capital for the two day tournament.

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