Forecasts predict tourism surge for RWC
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International travel to New Zealand is expected to surge significantly during the Rugby World Cup (RWC).
Forward Keys’ analysis of air bookings made before 26 August 2011 indicates that international passenger arrivals to New Zealand will increase by 25.4% during the Rugby World Cup compared to the same period in 2010. Approximately 72% of all tourists in September and October will be driven by visitors from the world’s major rugby playing nations. The largest number of fans will arrive from Australia with arrivals expected to jump 14.8% compared to 2010. Furthermore, arrivals from the UK will jump 56%, while 503% more South Africans are expected to travel through to New Zealand during the World Cup period compared to last year.
In the weeks leading up to the tournament, overall international arrivals are expected to grow by 22.9% with the biggest influx four days before the first match between New Zealand and Tonga on 9 September. While most long-haul travel is booked for the pools phase of the competition, one of the most important spikes in arrivals is expected on 7 October when the quarterfinals begin.
Theses statistics were generated by the Forward Keys business intelligence tool which uses Amadeus booking data to predict travel trends. David Brett, President of Amadeus Asia Pacific, said this information could be used by hoteliers to more effectively leverage their commercial efforts. Illustrating the benefits of the tool, Brett added; “The analysis shows 2,000 passengers will arrive from France two days prior to the game with New Zealand, suggesting an opportunity for hotels to tailor their promotional efforts specifically to this customer segment.”
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