INSIDE TOURISM – Tuesday 27 November 2012 There were wizards, hobbits, elves, dwarves, orcs, ents and even a ‘barrel’ at the Red Carpet Tours “Hobbit party” at the Amora Hotel on Monday 26 November so reports CEO of TECNZ Lesley Immink. Joined by sister Lynda, daughter Vanessa and friend Lesley, the opportunity to party with ‘Hobbit and Tolkein fans’ was too good to miss. The fan base is incredible and they travelled from around the world to be a part of the Hobbit premiere celebrations and visit as many film sites around the country as possible. One Ring.net and Red Carpet Tours hosted the party and sent invitations to the stars of the movie but unsure if any were available to attend. Fans screamed with delight when Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor and Phillipa Boyen made an entrance along with actors Elijah Wood (Frodo), Andy Serkis (Gollum) Jed Brophy (Nori), Stephen Hunter (Bombur) and William Kircher (Bifur). The stars were gracious and happy to shake hands and pose for photographs which was a huge thrill for all those who attended.
Re the value of “the Hobbit” to New Zealand, Lesley endorses the commitment that Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have demonstrated in supporting the films and believes that the Hobbit potentially can be our most valuable marketing promotion for the next decade. The film trailers in cinemas around the world will be complimented with 100% Pure New Zealand advertisements. This combined with the social media phenomena will keep New Zealand in the minds of potential visitors.
Fans are spending up to $20,000 per person to be here and travel the length and breadth of the country. Speaking to as group of six ladies from Portugal, Mexico, Adelaide and Perth, their trip to New Zealand was their ‘bucket list’ tour and while their families thought they were ‘crazy’, they were bringing back their families in the future whether they liked it or not. The repeat future business cannot be under estimated and should the Hobbit continue be part of the global ‘must read’ for young children, then we will be well served.