i-SITE Update

The summer months have always been the busiest time of year for the i-SITE and this summer is no exception. While sales are slightly behind last year there are a lot of positive aspects to be taken out of these last few months.

Ahead of Predictions!

Sales and trends

In what has been a challenging couple of months the i-SITE has performed well with January sales down by only 0.7% and December sales down by 7% on the same months in 08/09.

Key factors impacting on sales are declining visitor numbers into the centre (13% decrease based on numbers of clients committing at the counter), weather, a continuation of the disappointing cruise market in terms of both numbers coming into the centre and spend.

Outdoor activities have been severely affected by the weather with a number of key operators quoting downturns as much as 20%, extremely frustrating when we have the visitors and they are unable to undertake New Zealand's wonderful experiences.

However the Australian market continues to perform strongly with the number of visitors making bookings in January ahead of the UK market. The UK market still remains the top overall market for spend however. The average spend per UK visitor was $213 compared to $136 per Australian visitor. As you will know the Australian market is an important one for us but we need twice as many of them!

The following graph depicts the product mix for both of the UK and the Australian markets.

The i-SITE was open for the first time on Xmas day and unfortunately the results were mixed.  The cruise ship visitors were primarily after information and other general visitors were few. This was on a trial basis and will be reviewed for this coming year.

 

Spreading the word

We have been busy spreading the word on why people should 'start with i-SITE'

Three times during December and January iSITE staff went live to air on CTV's Good Living Show to promote both the i-SITE's services and business partner product around the Christchurch and Canterbury region.  To view footage click here.

An i-SITE staff "Must Do" list appeared in at least 2 different print media (including The Press) highlighting the favourite attractions and activities i-SITE staff enjoy experiencing on their days off.

The i-SITE is now advertising on Tourism Radio telling 20,000 listeners per annum why they need to 'Start with i-SITE' to maximise their time and experience in Christchurch & Canterbury.

The national i-SITE domestic campaign is still in market reinforcing the message of why visitors should start with i-SITE.  Thanks for all of your emails on 'what's hot' with your product. Please keep sending these through to info@christchurchnz.com so we can share your news via this online campaign.

 

Have you given us your best deal?

We would like to thank all Business Partners who have been proactive in providing us with the i-SITE 100% Best Deals on a monthly basis. We are still keen to hear from any Business Partners who would like to be involved in this initiative. The offer must be compelling for the visitor and exclusive to the i-SITE and are normally a value add proposition rather than a discount offering.  We market these on our blackboards, brochure racks and website which has proved to be a successful formula over the last 18 months.

 

Ticketek

With the Ellerslie International Flower Show fast approaching the i-SITE will offer our visitors the opportunity to be a part of this significant event by selling tickets. The Ticketek counter will be operating from 16 February to 14 March. If you have any visitors enquiring about the Ellerslie International Flower Show, please send them to the i-SITE and we will be delighted to help.

 

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