Same sex marriage vote buoys NZ tourism

Same sex marriage vote buoys NZ tourism
By admin


New Zealand's legalisation of same-sex marriage earlier this week has been welcomed by its tourism industry as it prepares for Australian gay and lesbian couples to flock across the Tasman in order to tie the knot.

Since the announcement, Tourism New Zealand's Sydney office has been using social media to show how easy it is for Australian same sex couples to get married in the destination.

It represents a change of tack for the tourism body which has previously not specifically targeted the gay and lesbian community when marketing its wedding and honeymoon products, according to its general manager Australia, Tim Burgess.

"However, following the passing of the Act, there has been a very positive response from same sex couples in Australia who are interested in a New Zealand wedding," he said.

"New Zealand is a great destination for a wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway – for all travellers."

Meanwhile, DNA Gay Ski Week Queenstown said it is "delighted" with the move, with its organisers hopeful a number of couples will opt to get married in the South Island city during the event which takes place from August 31 to September 7.

"We're already fielding Facebook posts, emails and calls from friends who are thinking about heading over to New Zealand to get married," organiser Sally Whitewoods said.

She urged anyone considering getting hitched during the festival to get in touch.

"We can help out with their plans and make sure their celebrations tie in perfectly with the range of activities and fun times we've already got on offer," she said.

Hoteliers across the ditch have already started spreading the word of their wedding packages to this newly emerged market with the Grand Mercure Pula Park on the Coromandel Coast highlighting its wedding packages that are available for "all couples".

 

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