Events contribute millions into Christchurch economy

Close to a dozen events brought to the city with help from the ChristchurchNZ tourism agency pumped an estimated $15 million into the local economy between August 2018 and February 2019.

Event visitors during that period also generated an estimated 70,000 visitor nights at local accommodation providers.

Events fit squarely within ChristchurchNZ’s brief of making Christchurch a prosperous city and an appealing place to live and visit.

In February, veteran music star Phil Collins played to 25,000 people at Christchurch Stadium, an event in part sponsored by ChristchurchNZ.

Post-event data confirmed visitor spend during this event alone reached $5.8 million while anecdotal reviews from hospitality and retail providers suggest they highly valued the increased foot traffic and trade, and noticed a spike in CBD activity.

The hugely popular BlackClash match at Hagley Oval, pitting rugby and cricket stars against each other in a T20 style of cricket, was another win for ChristchurchNZ and the city.

Visitor spend associated with the match topped an estimated $800,000, and it generated close to 4000 visitor nights. In addition, the match was broadcast live on TVNZ to an audience of over one million New Zealander.

Commenting on this impact, ChristchurchNZ Head of Major and Business Events, Karena Finnie stated “events are also a great way to engage with our community, attract visitors, stimulate economic activity and raise our city’s profile both in New Zealand and around the world.

“With the Christchurch Town Hall now open, and Te Pae convention centre opening next year, Christchurch is solidifying its place as a reliable host city.

“As a re-emerging player in the global events market, Christchurch has huge potential.”

ChristchurchNZ launches its Major Events Fund on 12th March, looking to further bolster the economic impact events have on the city.

The aim of the contestable Major Events Fund is to attract event organisers to Christchurch, leveraging our landscape, both built and natural, as an ideal location to host events.

Finnie added “the fund is a key programme through which ChristchurchNZ will invest in events on behalf of the city, and plays a vital role in defining Christchurch as a destination.”

Applications to the fund are open until 7th April, with successful applicants needing to meet the Major Events Fund criteria, which includes the promotion of Christchurch to national and international audiences, visitor expenditure, and an increase in visitor nights.

For more information on these guidelines and the application process, visit www.christchurchnz.org.nz

Image: Christchurch's Horncastle Arena.