Factors causing changes in tourism
The main factors causing changes in New Zealand tourism are economic, political, social and cultural factors. Economic factors are the most important, especially economic conditions in tourists’ countries of origin as well as favourable exchange rates in relation to the New Zealand dollar. Political factors are also significant, including government policies, economic restructuring and development as well as the encouragement of foreign investment. Social factors are important, such as the environmental awareness among those visitors from European countries (especially Germany).
Cultural factors such as the revival of Maori culture are especially important to tourism in New Zealand. All these factors have led to the major changes shown on the timeline below (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Timeline of Tourism Development in Christchurch
| 1851 |
White Hart Hotel began operation (possibly the City’s first). |
| 1863 |
Botanical Gardens established. |
| 1881 |
Lancaster Park opens. |
| 1882 |
Antigua Street boatsheds open. |
| 1894 |
New Brighton Pier opens. |
| 1895 |
Regular Lyttelton-Wellington Cook Strait ferry service inaugurated by the passenger ferry “Penguin”. |
| 1903 |
Christchurch to Invercargill rail express service begins. |
| 1906 |
New Zealand International Exhibition and branch railway line opens in Hagley Park. |
| 1938 |
Summit Road opens. |
| 1940 |
|
| 1945 |
Railway to from Christchurch to Picton completed. |
| 1947 |
First ticketed airline flight from New Zealand – Lancastrian “City of London” flew from Harewood Airport (Christchurch) to Sydney. |
| 1950 |
|
| 1951 |
First regular South Island trans-Tasman flights begin from Melbourne to Christchurch. |
| 1967 |
First section of the Northern Motorway opens. |
| 1971 |
Court Theatre’s first production. |
| 1972 |
New Town Hall complex and Sir James Hay Theatre completed. |
| 1973 |
The Christchurch Wizard commences regular public addresses in Cathedral Square. |
| 1974 |
Ramada Inn (now Vacation Hotel) opens.
10th Commonwealth Games open at Queen Elizabeth II Park.
Cathedral Square reconstruction to a pedestrian precinct. |
| 1975 |
Noah’s Hotel opens |
| 1976 |
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve opens. |
| 1978 |
The Christchurch Arts Centre opens. |
| 1979 |
|
| 1987 |
‘Trans Alpine’ express train designed specifically for tourist trade, begins its daily run from Christchurch to Greymouth. |
| 1988 |
Park Royal Hotel opens in Victoria Square. |
| 1992 |
Mt Cavendish Gondola opens on the Port Hills overlooking Christchurch and Lyttelton. |
| 1995 |
New Christchurch Tram opens, operating a city-loop service for tourists. |
| 1996 |
Hotel Grand Chancellor opens. |
| 1997 |
Christchurch Convention Centre opens. |
| 1998 |
|
| 2002 |
New Art Gallery opens |
Adapted from J. Gunn, 2006.
Recent changes in Christchurch's tourism
- Rapid increase in output with tourist numbers forecast to have increased by 23.3 per cent by the year 2009.
- Tourism contributes to 12 per cent of all jobs in Christchurch and generating an additional $1,103 million annually.
- Growth of accommodation, especially backpacker accommodation.
- New attractions such as the opening of the New Art Gallery in 2002.
- Increasing number of motels.
- Increase in number of cafes/restaurants and bars.
- Increasing number of domestic and international tourists, especially from the U.K., Asia and Europe.
References
Gunn J. 2006. HOD Geography Department, Riccarton High School.
Sleeman, R. and Simmons, D.G. (2003). Christchurch and Canterbury Visitor Profile and Forecasts. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 30.
Learning activities
- On the timeline (Figure 8), classify each of the changes as Economics (E), Political (P), Social (S) or Cultural (C).
- Write a paragraph to evaluate the factors causing changes. Which are the most important in relation to Christchurch? Justify you choice.
- Place the events listed below in the correct order in the timeline above.
- Harewood Airport becomes New Zealand's first International Airport.
- First Jumbo jet lands at airport.
- Completion of airport international arrivals terminal.
- Harewood Airport officially opens.
- New international terminal building completed.
- International Antarctic Centre opens.