Kathmandu Coast to Coast to help boost Canterbury tourism numbers

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism is expecting that a world-leading multi-sport race will put the region in the spotlight and boost visitor numbers when it is staged in February next year.

The 33rd annual Coast to Coast race - which recently announced its partnership with outdoor adventure brand Kathmandu – will be held on Friday 10th February 2017.

With New Zealand renowned as a playground for outdoor-adventure enthusiasts, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Chief Executive Vic Allen said Kathmandu’s commitment to increasing promotion and profile of the race will help showcase the “new Christchurch” and Canterbury region to a huge national and international audience.

Allen explained “major events like this help boost Christchurch’s reputation as a vibrant visitor destination, cementing our position on the global touring map.

“The Kathmandu Coast to Coast will be profiling the best of the South Island to a huge national and international audience via the media, and competitor and crew experiences will be shared around the world on digital and social channels.

“The multi-sport travel market is high value, with competitors bringing support crew who spend on accommodation, meals and supplies. These are influential people too, from key markets like Australia and the United Kingdom, who will share their stories with other international influencers,” Allen adds.

The race, which has seen over 18,000 people complete the course in 33 years, will partner with Kathmandu for the 2017 event for the first time as part of a three year agreement.

Richard Ussher, Kathmandu Coast to Coast Race Director, explains that the strategy for the race was to partner with a like-minded adventure brand that shared our same values.

Ussher commented “Kathmandu and its wide-reaching, captive audience both locally and around the world, were the perfect choice.

“They stand for the same things we do and we know they’ll be invaluable in helping us profile the race, promoting the region and encouraging visitor and race participation. It was a smart choice and also an obvious one.”

Christchurch-based Kathmandu Brand Manager – PR and Sponsorship, Olivia Barclay, says the brand will take a number of steps to boost the profile of the Coast to Coast race among its customers both locally and abroad.

Barclay added “Richard Ussher and the Kathmandu Coast to Coast team are keen to push the profile internationally and we know we can help. Our two biggest markets outside of New Zealand are Australia and the United Kingdom, so we’ve developed a number of different marketing strategies to suit each region.

“To share one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with our adventure-loving international customers is a really special opportunity. In doing so, we also get to showcase the natural beauty of our country and encourage outdoor enthusiasts to experience it firsthand.”

The Kathmandu Coast to Coast coincides with Kathmandu’s 30 year anniversary.

For more information go to www.coasttocoast.co.nz

30th October 2015 - JOHN JACOBY FROM RAPID ASCENT WINS PRESTIGIOUS ADVENTURE AWARD

3rd October 2014 - RE-ENERGISED COAST TO COAST ON TRACK FOR 2015

9th May 2014 - MASSEY UNIVERSITY STUDY SHOWS BIG EVENTS CAN BOOST SPORT PARTICIPATION

22nd March 2012 - LAKE WANAKA VOTED WORLD’S BEST NEW ADVENTURE HUB