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	Earthquake inspires strength, courage and unity
	By TIM COSSAR - 02 March 2011

As masonry fell in Christchurch’s square and pandemonium erupted all around, Super Shuttle Driver Tom navigated through the danger to take his four passengers to safety. An English couple say this remarkable man saved their lives.

“At all times he remained calm and reassuring... When he heard that the airport was closed, he immediately offered to take us to his home, and when we eventually managed to get through the traffic, he and his wife Jill made all four of us welcome, made us a meal and gave us a bed for the night. We cannot express how grateful we are to such a remarkable man...”

Amidst the heartbreak and rubble, such tales of generosity and courage shown by those in our industry and others continue to emerge. Staff remaining calm as they reassured frightened guests despite not knowing if their own loved ones were safe. Operators taking clients into their homes for the night when they couldn’t find accommodation.

Such fortitude means that many Christchurch members, while trying to rebuild their own lives and businesses, are now also stressing the need to keep encouraging visitors to come to other parts of Canterbury and New Zealand.

The industry responds

Ironically, the lessons learned following the 4 September earthquake meant that the wider tourism industry was able to respond quickly.

Within an hour of the earthquake striking, an inter-agency tourism earthquake response group was up and running.

Made up of representatives from TIA, Tourism NZ, the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Education (representing international students), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT), Immigration NZ and NZ Trade & Enterprise, our first focus was to ensure accurate communications for visitors already in New Zealand, and for those across all international markets wanting information fast.

The group has been meeting continually, liaising closely with Civil Defence to ensure issues relating to visitors are dealt with effectively. Tourism NZ’s www.tourismnewzealand.com is continually being updated to ensure accurate information for international markets.

Airlines have worked with embassies and MFAT to assist international visitors without possessions and passports, and to care for incoming families directly affected by the tragedy.

Both Air NZ and Qantas supplied extra aircraft to help clear backlogs from Christchurch airport, which fortunately was able to resume services within 24 hours of the earthquake.

Regional Tourism Organiations and i-SITEs across the country worked to accommodate evacuees, including visitors. Asburton i-SITE told TIA that in the week following the earthquake they had all hands on-deck as they dealt with 3840 enquiries, compared with 1421 the previous week.

TIA has attempted to contact all our Christchurch members to ascertain their welfare and how we can help. We’ve checked in again this week and now have a clearer idea of who is up and running and issues around business continuity. Other industry associations are also working to support operators.

As you would expect, some businesses are devastated and sadly will never reopen while others miraculously escaped relatively unscathed apart from the emotional trauma.

Remarkably, Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism rapidly re-grouped and relocated following the earthquake, and within days were answering enquiries and working to assess accommodation and business requirements.

Ensuring tourism remains strong

Collectively, our industry’s attention is now shifting to ensuring tourism remains strong, given its importance to New Zealand’s economy. A strong economy is critical to helping Christchurch rebuild and recover.

While Christchurch and Lyttelton have suffered considerable damage, CCT boss Tim Hunter says Akaroa, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs and Methven are operating normally and it’s really important that people don’t look at New Zealand being totally damaged.

As one Christchurch member wrote to me, getting visitors to continue travelling here and enjoying our beautiful country is what Christchurch businesses and individual families need.

TNZ’s offshore managers are sharing information with the international travel trade and media, aiming sensitively to keep the messages about Christchurch in context with the rest of New Zealand.

Our industry is deeply interconnected and we need to continue to work together right across the nation to keep New Zealand front of mind with travellers and the offshore travel trade. TIA is talking with other industry leaders to determine how we can best achieve this, while we continue to support our Christchurch members. My heartfelt sympathy is with all our members and everyone else in Christchurch and beyond who has been affected by this tragic event.

This is a challenging time, but Kiwis are known for their ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges and I am confident this time will be no different.