Tourism Winner
There’s no denying that tourism industries took a hit during Covid, and our local businesses are still reeling from the impact. It’s why, now more than ever, the outstanding contribution that our tourism operators and groups put in, needs to be recognised and applauded.
Ballooning Canterbury took home the 2021 Selwyn Tourism Award which recognises the hard work and commitment they put into creating fantastic experiences for domestic and international visitors as well as contributing to the wider Selwyn tourism sector.
Ballooning Canterbury offers a unique magical hot air balloon flight across some of our spectacular landscape and scenery across Selwyn and Canterbury. They have brought countless visitors to our local community to experience sunrise balloon flights. And if you were researching what to do when visiting Selwyn, Ballooning Canterbury comes up as a must do activity in the region and comes highly recommended by previous customers.
Ballooning Canterbury has done wonders for our local businesses as customers are actively encouraged to stay in the region an extra day or two in case of weather cancellations. This has seen many of their passengers taking advantage of local accommodation like B&Bs, motels, camping grounds and hotels, not to mention the hospitality sector.
Unfortunately, just like other companies, they were hit hard during covid and continue to feel the strain the pandemic had across the world. They have been quieter due to the restrictions that were put in place but hold out hope that now tourists are gradually returning to New Zealand they will see a return to some form of normality soon.
Despite all of this, they have continued to support local schools, the Lions Club, the Courtenay Show, Christchurch Skal, Youth Glide NZ, Big Brother Big Sister, Madison Garrett Fundraiser, just to name a few! And they have some exciting new elements they are introducing for their hot air balloons for the 2023 Night Glow to be held at Hororata in May next year. As one of the major sponsors, they are already prepping and getting pilots and balloons ready for the show, expecting it to be better than ever!
As with all our award winners, winning the award helped Ballooning Canterbury to feel truly seen and recognised by their community for the hard work they put in.
“It’s great to have it confirmed that all the hard work that we have put into creating Ballooning Canterbury has finally been recognised. Now one of the leading and most recognised brands in tourism within Selwyn and Canterbury, we can continue to grow our brand and bring tourists from over 76 different countries (pre-Covid) into Selwyn for the benefit of many other tourist operators, accommodation providers and local businesses. It’s so cool to think our business can help so many others and for our team its very satisfying and rewarding.”- Michael Oakley – Chief Executive and Chief Pilot of Ballooning Canterbury
The inspiration behind applying for the award was to try and gain recognition for their brand. And with slowly seeing their numbers being clawed back after covid, with awards such as the Tourism award up their sleeve, their reputation is stellar and strong enough to continue going from strength to strength.
We couldn’t be prouder to have organisations such as Ballooning Canterbury that allows visitors and locals alike to witness just how truly beautiful Selwyn and Canterbury is from above. If you haven’t yet experienced one of their hot-air balloons, we advise you try it out! There’s nothing that can make you fall more in love with a place than seeing it from the skies above.