QUEENSTOWN – The 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games kicks off today, promising to boost New Zealand’s profile overseas.
Tourism New Zealand and Destination Queenstown have been working with broadcasters and international media from key tourism markets to ensure maximum exposure for New Zealand.
The biennial 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games runs until August 30 at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona, Snow Farm, Naseby and Dunedin.
More than 800 of the world’s best athletes from 31 nations are taking part.
An investment of NZ$1 million came from the Major Events Development Fund, which allowed Tourism New Zealand to secure naming rights.
Destination Queenstown CEO Stephen Pahl said Queenstown had seen the merit in investing in the inaugural Winter Games and had pledged its support during its formation as a foundation partner.
Between April and June this year, New Zealand has welcomed 206,762 winter holiday visitor arrivals, six percent up on the same period last year. Almost half of those arrivals were from New Zealand’s biggest visitor market, Australia.
