Travel News

South Island Now in League of its Own

In a coup for South Island tourism promoters the worlds leading publisher of travel books has announced plans to produce a travel guide dedicated to the South Island.

Lonely Planet has decided to add a South Island guide to its impressive list of titles following discussions with Christchurch International Airport Ltd and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism. The book is due to be published in April.

"This is something that our readers have been crying out for, and we're pretty excited to be finally bringing it to them," says Errol Hunt, a commissioning editor for Lonely Planet.

"It's aimed at travellers who spend their entire time in New Zealand on the South Island, so removes the need for them to buy the heavier full-country guide," Mr Hunt says.

Christine Prince, chief executive of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism, is delighted by Lonely Planet’s decision to publish a South Island guide and says it is testimony to the richness and diversity of the Mainland.

"We’re no longer seen as a tag-on to the North Island. We’re a destination in our own right and we offer something different to what is found in other parts of New Zealand," Ms Prince says.

"To some extent publication of this book represents a coming of age for the South Island and a global acknowledgement that what we offer sets us apart from other destinations."

Gareth Owen, general manager marketing and business development at Christchurch International Airport Ltd, says it is fantastic to see the globally pre-eminent publication recognise the South Island as a destination in its own right.

"We are constantly told by departing tourists that they wish they had spent more of their time in the South Island," he says.  "From Christchurch, New Zealand's tourism gateway, we are able to provide tourists with the best possible location to start and end their New Zealand adventure, and the South Island provides a kaleidoscope of opportunities for a wide spectrum of traveller.  

"We look forward to greeting many more visitors clutching Lonely Planets when the guide is published," Mr Owen says.


 

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