Tourism New Zealand counts 200 days to Cricket World Cup

Tourism New Zealand marked the 200-day countdown to joint-hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 by bringing cricket star Richard Hadlee to the UK to meet with the travel trade last week.

Today marks 200 days until the tournament takes place in the country and Australia, the first time international cricket has been in New Zealand for eight years.

Hadlee met with representatives from the likes of ICC Travel and Gullivers while in the UK, with the agents telling Travel Daily they had seen demand for breaks that combined both the sport and other activities, rather than traditional packages. Those heading out to the tournament are also looking to see the natural surroundings or participate in activities during their visit.

“This has been a wonderful relationship between New Zealand and Australia as we are getting 50% of the games in our country. It’s quite significant that every team will play at least one game in New Zealand so there’s an opportunity to see everyone play live in this part of the world,” said Hadlee at an event last week.

While games will take place in seven cities across New Zealand. Christchurch will be one of the most welcome to receive tourists, having suffered since an earthquake in February 2011.

As Hadlee explained: “I’m delighted international cricket has returned to Christchurch following problems with the earthquake. Our stadium was near destroyed and will probably never be used as a sporting venue again and the fact we’ve had to build a cricket venue, a boutique-style ground with rolling embankments and new pavilion, that will open in the next few months means we’re really looking forward to people visiting.

“Our public, particularly children, have been denied of international cricket and it’s significant that cricket has come back to Christchurch. It’s a sense of encouragement and pride to be able to host it.”