Visiting Sydney last Friday, Phil Keoghan was the ideal choice to promote the destination; after all it is his birthplace and having spent his high school years in Canterbury, he still fondly refers to it as his home region.
“Australian travellers have had a love affair with New Zealand for a long time but my opportunity is to share the great experiences they can have in and around Christchurch and Canterbury region – the heart of the south island,” Mr Keoghan said.
“I’ve travelled to over 100 countries and the best travel experiences are going to places with people that you love, and incredible landscapes make the experience even better.”
With one million Australians visiting Christchurch and Canterbury in 2009, Mr Keoghan told guests, “If you haven’t been to the south island, you haven’t been to New Zealand”.
Christchurch is gearing for a ground-breaking ski season this year, and with 18 ski areas in the region plus 95 flight direct connections, Australians are encouraged to try the Kiwi slopes.
“The Amazing Race has taken me all over the world to some amazing places but there is still nothing like New Zealand. Of course Canterbury has a special place in my heart. I still get excited every time I fly into Christchurch and see the snow-capped Southern Alps, the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains, and the beautiful, unspoiled coastline,” Keoghan said.
“Each time I visit I am reminded just how special this place is, but what really gives Canterbury its charm are the people who live there. To me, that’s what really determines one holiday from another and I’m very excited about sharing some of my home-grown knowledge of what Canterbury has to offer to our visitors.”
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Christine Prince said the new ambassador role is expected to drive more Australians to the region, which offers great diversity for first timers or repeat visitors. “Last year we saw one million Australians heading to New Zealand but we think we have only just begun to grow the opportunity to visit Christchurch and the Canterbury region. And with the airlines on board as well providing great access and terrific fares, we expect to see an increase in visitors from the Australian travel market.” Ms Prince said. “Phil is everything we could possibly hope for in an ambassador – he hosts a program which brings to life a range of exciting experiences – similar to those that Australian travellers can look forward to enjoying in our region. Phil also embodies the can-do attitude and fun, friendly nature of Canterbury. He loves his home and he’s prepared to tell the world about it.”
For more information, visit www.christchurchnz.com
Nice to see Phil is promoting it. He will do a great job.
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