Japanese in search of a skifield

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 48, 22 May 1984, Page 5

Japanese in search of a skifield

The visit to New Zealand recently of Mr Kobayashi and Mr Otsuki, two successful Japanese businessmen and potential investors in this country has highlighted the huge potential that exists for New Zealand skifields from the Japanese market. Their trip, whilst not an official one, led to comment from Mr Rob Talbot, the Minister of Tourism, that "the interest in Japan for skiing is particularly high, in fact there are ten million skiers in the country and many of them are keen enough to travel to the Southern Hemisphere in their summer months to lUrther pursue their hobby." Mr Kobayashi and Mr Otsuki were looking at the possibility of setting up a skifield and reportedly inspected potential sites in the South Island. Tony Wright, General Manager of AHI Turoa skifields, was not aware of the private visit made by the businessmen, but reiterated Mr Talbot's view that the Japanese market is indeed a substantial one. "We have entertained seven people from Japan Airlines and tour companies recently who were in Ohakune to take part in one of the package tours compiled by Turoa," Mr Wright said. "It is true that there are ten million skiers in Japan but our own research tells us that only four million of those are what you could

term active skiers," he added. Mr Fumio Ito, the Assistant Manager of Japan Airlines regional office in T okyo and a recent visitor to Ohakune, would not comment on the private trip made to New Zealand by Mr Kobayashi and Mr Otsuki. However he was aware that they were inspecting possible ski sites. In the short-term, the setting up of a skifield primarily for the Japanese market, will not affect the Turoa package tours that are already underway. This season, Japanese skiers will be seen on the slopes of Turoa. AHI have successfully applied for a license to run a bus service from Mangere Airport, Auckland to Ohakune and will be leasing a bus shortly. Currently two flights a week flyfrom Tokyo to Auckland. The average cost of the tours, which includes air fares, transport and accommodation for approximately one week is 180,000 yen ($NZ 1 ,200). The Japanese have always had the reputation of beingexcellent tourists and their presence in the area can only benefit the Turoa skifield.

Mary Anne

Gill