Air New Zealand's 2006 Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival is estimated to have injected more than $12 million into Wellington's economy.
The Festival, held in Wellington from 29 October to 5 November, attracted more than 3500 participants from 13 countries, including Italy, Russia, South Africa, Ireland and Japan.
An economic impact report prepared by McDermott Miller for the Wellington City Council says the seven day festival pumped an estimated $12.6 million into the region. Festival participants purchased 17,500 room nights and used more than 100 coaches and buses.
"This was the sixteenth Rugby World Festival and it was fantastic to see the event directly benefiting the local tourism and hospitality industries," said Norm Thompson, Air New Zealand's Group General Manager of Short Haul Airlines.
Mr Thompson also said that the event had a significant economic impact to wider New Zealand, with many of the international visitors taking the opportunity to tour and holiday pre and post the Festival.
Air New Zealand's Golden Oldies movement was established in the late seventies when the idea was initially conceived and built around the spirit of fun, friendship and fraternity.
Mr Thompson said that 60% of the participants visiting New Zealand for the festival were treated to unique New Zealand experiences through social functions, iconic venues and sight-seeing opportunities.
"We've received overwhelmingly positive feedback from all involved. Wellingtonians made the participants feel welcome and gave them a fantastic time," Mr Thompson said.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said the Golden Oldies tournament was fantastic for Wellington.
"The success of events like the Golden Oldies tournament proves that. Everyone who came to Wellington had a fantastic time and so did we. The economic benefit gained from events like this is the icing on the cake."
"Another bonus of the tournament is that three-quarters of the overseas players said they would come back to Wellington if they ever returned to New Zealand and more than 80 percent of international visitors would recommend a visit to Wellington to family and friends. That's a great result and the kind of advertising for Wellington that money just can't buy."
The festival also raised public awareness and financial support for its chosen charity, the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs. Ph (09) 336 2761
For additional comment please contact:
Wellington City Council
Sharon Williams, Wellington Mayor's Office
Phone: (04) 801-3119 or (027) 223 7133
and
Positively Wellington Tourism
Esme Gibbons - Communications Manager
Phone: (04) 9161211
NOTE: The content of all Air New Zealand media releases are accurate at the time of issue, as stated at the top of each release. For updates on any changes, please contact Air New Zealand.
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