(PR.co.nz) All of Christchurch’s rental cars were fully booked out for the first time in years. Leading to desperate measures for some business and independent travelers. Travellers caught out by the shortage of rental cars has seen some having to hire 12 seater minibuses and utes to do business in the city or attend local weddings
Local rental car company Abell Rentals has certainly benefitted from the huge increase in last minute bookings to NZ. Managing Director Allan Scott reported today. Mr Scott who is on the board of the NZ Rental Vehicle Association also reported that most other companies were experiencing a huge unexpected increase in demand during the peak months of December, January and Febuary.
Activity is coming back …but coming back smarter.. Businesses are working & travelling smarter and being more frugal. At the end of the day when business has to be done you need to travel. Now days the business traveler and holiday maker are both buying on price , hence cheaper airlines, cheaper 2nd tier rental car companies and less expensive accommodation. Abell rentals and other 2nd tier rental car companies are in a great position to take advantage of this change business trends.
As long as the service is delivered in a professional manner more and more business travellers chose to deal with the smaller boutique companies that have more personality , flexibility , are fun to do business with and most importantly save the customer money.
2009/2010 Summer season rentals to date are up an incredible 45% on the same time last year for Abell Rentals.
The recession last year put pressure on the family business which unfortunately necessitated the decision to make some tough decisions and a complete rethink of the business direction and structure. This has put the business in a great position to maximize its returns from the increase in domestic and international inbound tourist numbers.
Even though there has been a decline in tourist numbers from the UK and Germany all other main markets are up approximately 4% which was one contributing factor in the turn around that helped our business increase rental contracts by 45% increase in customers and a 50% increase in income.
There can only be a feeling of total optimism with this upward trend and the Rugby World Cup just around the corner.
Media Release 3rd March 2010 from Allan Scott, Abell Rentals
www.abell.co.nz
allan@abell.co.nz
(03) 348 2002