New Zealand tourism bosses have suspended offshore advertisements featuring imagery of Christchurch.
The move was made after a review of overseas marketing in the aftermath of last Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
In a joint statement, Kevin Bowler, CEO of Tourism New Zealand (TNZ); Tim Cossar, of the Tourism Industry Association, and Liz MacPherson, from Tourism, Events and Consumer Affairs, said a strong economy would be vital to helping Christchurch get back on its feet.
“Offshore, Tourism New Zealand managers have been sharing information with travel trade stakeholders and working to keep messages about Christchurch in context across the rest of New Zealand.
“This requires a fine balance in the circumstances,†said the tourism chiefs.
Marketing relating to other parts of New Zealand has also been temporarily suspended from news environments.
Tourism New Zealand said it is aiming to sensitively reinforce to overseas trade and media that while “our hearts are with Christchurch, and the city will need some time to recover, we must also continue to care for and host incoming visitors to New Zealand, especially to other parts of Canterbury but also to the rest of New Zealandâ€.
