Kaitlin Price/cvnznews.com
Christchurch is set to be the sporting capital of New Zealand this week, with a blockbuster lineup of international and domestic fixtures expected to attract more than 68,000 fans and inject an estimated $10 million into the local economy.
Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars and accommodation providers are preparing for a bumper Labour Weekend as thousands of visitors descend on the city for an extraordinary run of high-profile sporting events.
The action gets underway with a sold-out Constellation Cup clash between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds at Wolfbrook Arena, before the Blackcaps host cricket powerhouse India in two T20 internationals at Hagley Oval.
The excitement continues with a Rugby League World Cup double-header at One NZ Stadium, featuring the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns, before Canterbury and Northland clash in the NPC Grand Final on Labour Day.
For Christchurch’s hospitality sector, the timing could hardly be better.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Kristy Phillips said major events provide a powerful lift for local businesses and help create a vibrant atmosphere across the city.
“Without a doubt, hospitality and accommodation businesses do better when events are on,” Phillips said.
“Major events create opportunities right across hospitality and accommodation. They bring visitors into the region, encourage locals to get out and about, and give people more reasons to socialise, support and connect in our bars, restaurants, cafés, hotels and motels.”
The week-long sporting festival is expected to generate strong demand across the city’s hospitality and accommodation network, with operators already reporting encouraging booking levels ahead of the long weekend.
Hospitality NZ Canterbury Accommodation Chair Jeff Peters said the concentration of events was unusual and highlighted Christchurch’s growing reputation as a destination capable of attracting world-class sport.
“Usually we wouldn’t have events like these so close together in October,” Peters said.
“The addition of a world-class stadium in the central city has helped attract events that the city may otherwise have missed out on.”
The sporting showcase is also providing an early taste of what promises to be a busy and exciting season ahead. November brings New Zealand Cup Week, further Blackcaps fixtures against India, an All Whites international, and a Robbie Williams concert.
With packed stadiums, buzzing hospitality venues and thousands of visitors enjoying the city, Christchurch is set to shine on the national stage, demonstrating why it is increasingly being recognised as one of New Zealand’s premier events destinations.
For local businesses, the winning streak may be happening off the field as much as on it.
