Popular demand has spurred Air New Zealand to increase its existing winter only schedule between Wellington and Queenstown to a daily direct year-round service from January 2008.

The move has been welcomed by Destination Queenstown CEO David Kennedy who is bullish about the potential visitor numbers offered by the extra 18,000 airline seats flying into the resort as a result.

“A direct daily flight from our capital city means Queenstown can be considered a viable short break option for Wellingtonians. It also offers corporate travel opportunities which could significantly increase the convention and incentive market out of the capital.”

Last year, of the 654,000 domestic guest nights to Queenstown, only 3.2% were Wellingtonians.

Mr Kennedy expects that figure to increase dramatically next year.

“Currently we have twice as many Germans than Wellingtonians visiting Queenstown. Aucklanders, who enjoy several daily direct flights throughout the year, represent 18% of our domestic visitor numbers or 115,000 guest nights. This new flight allows us to potentially triple the Wellington market in terms of guest nights.”

Daily direct flights from Wellington airport also offer the potential to attract a greater number of international visitors.

“This schedule means Queenstown now has daily direct flights from all three major New Zealand cities. Whichever gateway our international visitor chooses, a direct flight to Queenstown will be available.

“Domestically It means we can target marketing campaigns directly to the Wellington market which was previously unproductive outside the winter months because of limited airline access.”

The direct flight is expected to attract more business travellers to the resort.

“Wellington is the home to many head offices in both the public and private sector. We expect the Queenstown Convention Bureau to find opportunity with this flight schedule. Again, the Bureau will be able to directly target a significant market which has previously been difficult to attract.”

Direct flights are key to promoting Queenstown, Mr Kennedy said, “We’ve seen the impact of direct flights over our winter season, particularly in the Australian market. Destination Queenstown will continue to work with airlines to encourage increased direct flights on a year-round basis. Queenstown is a four season resort town, and a great place to visit in spring, summer and autumn, as well as winter.”

Courtesy of Destination Queenstown - www.queenstown-nz.co.nz