West Coast Tourism Cashing In on the World Cup

(PR.co.nz) Rugby fans around the world will be excited about the release of the Glacier Country Rugby Experience competition, which gives individuals and six of their mates the opportunity to win an all inclusive trip to the West Coast of New Zealand, worth over $50,000.

Included in the prize package are international flights flying Air New Zealand, accommodation, transport, dining experiences and an all-inclusive activity pack which includes some of the most iconic, relaxing and adventure based activities that New Zealand has to offer. Furthermore, those lucky seven winners will play a game of Rugby against the current Glacier Country champions on the number two field; the glacier itself.

With the West Coast of the South Island feeling left out of the Rugby World Cup, not being allocated any pool games or the hosting of any teams, the Glacier Country Tourism Group decided to take matters into their own hands. With the original idea of holding their own rugby match being formed over a few beverages at a local pub, this soon turned into a larger than life project, involving several large campaign sponsors including Heineken, Telecom, West Coast Tourism, Greymouth Information Centre and TranzApline, with a $50,000 prize package; inviting individuals and teams throughout the world to take a video of their rugby game

The Glacier Rugby Cup was originated and the grudge match played between Fox and Franz Josef on the Glacier. The lads on the West Coast believe this to be the most scenic and thrilling rugby pitch in the world, with the current Glacier Country Rugby Cup wanting challenges from rugby fans and teams all over the world to challenge them for the silverware. Jonzie, the captain of the Fox team stated that “although we are sceptical that we will find a local, national or international team that is capable of matching the champagne example that our team shows of the modern game, we want to provide the opportunity for another team to at least have the chance to face us”

Chris Alexander, Director of the Glacier Country Tourism Group, stated that “this competition is aimed at putting the Glacier Country and West Coast areas firmly in the minds of the large influx of international tourists that the Rugby World Cup 2011 will bring to our shores. This is the perfect opportunity for the West Coast to recover from a year of trials and tribulations and to celebrate the land, the people and the culture that is the West Coast of New Zealand’.

Recent events in Christchurch creating hesitancy in international tourists to visit the South Island in specific and New Zealand in general, this campaign can contribute to showing the world that New Zealand is open and there is a lot to do here. There needs to be some positive news for the region and we believe that this is a campaign that the whole of New Zealand can get behind. Alexander stated that he “would love all Kiwis who have friends and family overseas who would like to see them in New Zealand to tell them about the competition – as well as winning a magnificent prize, they will be able to meet up with family and friends for those who win the competition”

But the question on everyone’s lips is how do they enter and win this experience of a lifetime, worth $50,000. This is simple. Embracing the World Cup, entrants have to take a video of themselves and six mates playing a short game or rugby; in a unique location, wearing funny clothing, highlighting your culture and telling a story … just be creative. The more innovative and amusing the video is, the greater the chance you and six of your mates will be flying to New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime during the Rugby World Cup 2011. To access more details, visit www.glaciercountry.co.nz or www.facebook.com/glaciercountrytourism.

Media Release 1 April 2011.