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New Zealand looks to attract ski tourists

(22 May 2007)

Going skiing or snow-boarding? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

As New Zealand's ski season approaches, the Oceanian country is looking to build upon the numbers of winter sports tourists, it has been revealed.

Over the course of last year's ski season, which runs between June and October, a record 1.4 million day passes were issued, reports the New Zealand Herald.

Meanwhile, more than 101,000 foreign ski tourists visited the islands, spending some NZ$342 million (£126 million).

However, this figure could be set to rise as Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton claims that pre-season bookings among ski tourists are above average at the moment.

He told the publication: "They [tour operators] are saying this is the best pre-season booking they've ever seen."

Mr Hickton added that ski tourism helps the country to develop a year-round travel product.

The news comes as some $20 million has been invested in the Turoa ski resort with a six-seater chair lift implemented and more snow machines fitted.

However, those wishing to go on a skiing holiday closer to home may wish to visit Switzerland as ski resorts in the country reported a rise in foreign winter sports tourists over the course of February.

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