Ellerslie Injected $15m into Christchurch

(PR.co.nz) The 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show injected almost $15 million into the Christchurch economy during March.

An independent Economic Impact and Perception Study found more than 57,000 visitors attended the Show, spending $14.73 million during the five days of the annual Show at Christchurch’s North Hagley Park.

While the amount was about $5 million less than in 2009 with the drop in visitor numbers, Mayor Bob Parker says most encouraging is the 13 per cent increase in the number of visitors from the North Island and the rise in the average daily spend to $287.38.

“Sixty-one per cent of visitors rated as much better the facilities and amenities, while another 27 per cent felt these were somewhat better.

“Forty-two per cent felt the beautification and image of the venue area was much better and 36 per cent thought customer service was much better.”

He says overall, visitors rated the quality of the display gardens, venue layout, provision of amenities, value for money and enjoyment of Ellerslie as very high. “Many visitors said they loved the variety of the displays and entertainment at the 2010 Show.”

Visitors commented that they thought the Show had “a wonderful atmosphere”, the “setting was perfect”, there were “lots of people but no waiting in queues”, there was a “great variety of display gardens” and these were “innovative, inspirational and awesome”.

“One visitor summed up the 2010 Ellerslie International Flower Show: ‘Total package of excellent value for a feast of entertainment, enjoyment, fun, pleasure, taste, sights, smell, laughs, friendship, ideas, dreams – what more can I say but thanks’.”

Mr Parker says unfortunately for the second year, poor weather had an impact on Ellerslie.

“Heavy rain and bitterly cold southerlies affected attendance numbers and impacted on the experience for many visitors during the opening days. This resulted in the Show recording a loss of $88,000. This loss will be funded from the profit of $224,000 made in 2009.”

He says exhibitors are already lining up to be involved in next year’s Show – both past and new designers.

“I am confident that next year’s Ellerslie will be even better; the Show building on the success of the last two years.

“The ideas for Show features being developed by the exhibition team are really exciting and I look forward to telling you about these in coming months as we build up to the 9 March opening of Ellerslie 2011. I’m sure it will be another outstanding event.”

Ellerslie International Flower Show is New Zealand’s premier week-long Garden Party in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 9 to 13 March 2011. The Show celebrates Christchurch’s Garden City heritage and the best of national and international garden design. Check out the website for further information www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz.

Media Release 4 June 2010 from Christchurch City Council.