03 March 2009
Airport website features new Japanese section
Christchurch International Airport’s new website christchurchairport.co.nz, today introduces a new section specifically created for Japanese travellers. This new section provides translated information about the airport; including an overview of airport services, parking and transport information, travel regulations, and specific information for those requiring special assistance or travelling with families.
Christchurch Airport is the only international airport in Oceania to feature Japanese language information and demonstrates the airport’s dedication to this market.
Christchurch International Airport Limited’s General Manager, Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen said that the airport recognises the value in becoming more accessible to the declining Japanese market, “as New Zealand’s leading tourism gateway, the creation of this webpage is another proactive initiative that we have undertaken in order to reverse the negative growth from this region into the South Island.”
In 2008, New Zealand welcomed 114,930 Japanese visitors with 31% arriving directly into Christchurch International Airport, making Japan the airport’s 3rd largest tourist market. It is also estimated that approximately 75% of Japanese package tours feature Christchurch as the first night destination.
For over a decade Japanese tourists have placed New Zealand in the top 10 most desirable countries to visit, and with 94 million people a year using the Internet in Japan, it is important that the airport website provides key information for those planning a holiday.
Japanese travellers are becoming more independent and are starting to move away from the traditional organised tour. Consequently resources such as Christchurch Airport’s new web page are becoming more sought after and form an important part of ensuring visitors from Japan have a positive New Zealand travel experience.
Japanese visitors to Christchurch Airport’s website in 2008 totalled over 4,300 and this figure is set to further increase in 2009 with the introduction of this new facility.
To take a look at this page, visit christchurchairport.co.nz/Japanese or following the Japanese flag on the website’s homepage.