Booked ahead as far as 1993

Press, 12 May 1987, Page 54

Booked ahead as far as 1993

The process of promoting Christchurch as a convention or conference centre is conducted under the guidance of the Canterbury Promotion Council.

The current strategy of promoting Christchurch as having "a touch of English" is reportedly working well.

“We are booked ahead as far as 1993” said the infohnation Officer of the Convention Bureau Mrs Linda Lima.

Having served in the position of Information Officer since the establishment of the Canterbury Promotion Council Mrs Lima has watched the popularity of Christchurch as a convention destination grow explosively in recent years. "Our brief is not to get actually involved in the physical process of organising conferences,” she said.

“However we do assist with the finding of suitable venues, accommodation, spouses tours and

setting up charters for conference goers.” The Promotion Councils’ Convention Bureau

has had deep involvement in the production of a potpourri of glossy promotion material for

Christchurch and the recent video and film titled, “Christchurch — the Convention City.” Asian Broadcasters, the New Zealand Institute of Plumbers and Drainage Inspectors, and the New Zealand Lions’ Conference are amongst recent conventions held in the city.

The Lions’ Conference drew 1200 attendees which makes it a large convention, the average number is more likely to be around the hundred mark.

Mrs Lima is convinced that the future benefits to the Canterbury economy from conventions and conferences will be extensive.

“They have a direct spin-off benefit to accommodation, restaurants, hairdressers — all the services basically.” '

“In turn that must enhance our own standard of living and dining accommodation locally,” she said.