Destination Queenstown Media Releases
Queenstown's latest media releases including media contacts for media and broadcasting professionals.
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Groundbreaking tourism project to kick off in Queenstown Lakes
Thursday 5 July 2024
The Destination Southern Lakes (DSL) Board has announced that Griffith University has been appointed to lead a groundbreaking tourism project to understand optimal visitation in the Queenstown Lakes region.
Queenstown Lakes’ regional tourism organisations evolve under a shared services model
Tuesday 2 July 2024
Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) have announced they will deliver their FY24/25 business plans under a new streamlined shared services model.
Electrifying Queenstown to inspire businesses to decarbonise
Thursday 24 May 2024
Queenstown Lakes’ commitment to a carbon-zero visitor economy will be brought to life for business owners and tourism operators at the Electrifying Queenstown business summit, unlocking the economic benefits of electrification while decarbonising.
Queenstown’s Australia Roadshow returns to Melbourne and Sydney
Friday 20 October 2023
Destination Queenstown's Queenstown Convention Bureau (QCB) is once again hosting its renowned Australia roadshow, focused on showcasing Queenstown businesses to conference and business events buyers in Australia.
Queenstown open and ready to welcome visitors
Saturday 23 September 2023 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown is open, accessible and ready to welcome school holiday visitors following 24 hours of adverse weather in the region.
Board appointed for Queenstown Lake’s new destination management organisation
Thursday 7 September 2023 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The board of directors for Destination Southern Lakes, the new destination management organisation (DMO) for the Queenstown and Wānaka region, have been announced today.
No support for Tarras airport from Southern Lakes regional tourism organisations
Thursday 1 September 2023 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT), the regional tourism organisations for Queenstown and Wānaka, do not believe the development of an airport in Tarras is aligned with the new regenerative tourism approach in the Southern Lakes.
Polestar powers Destination Queenstown
Tuesday 25 July 2023 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Polestar New Zealand and Destination Queenstown are partnering to promote the decarbonisation of tourism in the world-famous holiday destination. Polestar is the official vehicle partner of Destination Queenstown, with a brace of fully electric Polestar 2 cars on the road with the regional tourism organisation.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods appointed to Regional Tourism NZ Board
Wednesday 12 July 2023 (Queenstown Lakes, NZ)
Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods has been appointed to the Board of Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ).
Queenstown and Wānaka join forces to establish a fund for the greater good of the environment.
Tuesday 4 April 2023 (Queenstown Lakes, NZ)
The Queenstown Lakes region is taking action to what is shaping up to be the greatest challenge and opportunity of our time and is now inviting visitors and businesses to support the district’s ambitious goal of a regenerative, carbon zero future.
Queenstown Lakes regenerative tourism strategy (including carbon zero visitor economy by 2030) fully endorsed
Thursday 9 February 2023 (Queenstown Lakes, NZ)
The Queenstown Lakes regenerative tourism strategy is officially under way following the unanimous endorsement of the Queenstown Lakes District Councillors at a full council meeting today.
Queenstown officially ranked one of the most loved destinations in the world
Wednesday 1 February 2023 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown has been ranked 25th of the 100 most loved destinations in the world by the Tourism Sentiment Index, which measures online content and conversations about thousands of global destinations.
Queenstown Lakes announces ambition to be first carbon zero tourism destination in the world
Wednesday 23 November 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The earth race has started in the Queenstown Lakes, with the announcement by Mayor Glyn Lewers, of full commitment to decarbonising the tourism industry to carbon zero by 2030.
'Tourism for a Better Future' regenerative tourism strategy to be enhanced following feedback
Friday 28 October 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
'Tourism for a Better Future', the destination management strategy for the Queenstown Lakes, is being revised based on feedback from the community. The strategy is an output of the Grow Well | Whaiora Spatial Plan, a formal partnership between QLDC, Kāi Tahu and the Crown.
Best snow conditions in decades set Queenstown up for record 2022 winter
Friday 21 October 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown enjoyed a record winter with the best snow conditions in decades. A huge snowfall set the mountains up for a long season of quality snow.
Visitor spending strong in Queenstown this winter
Friday 23 September 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown (DQ) has released its 2022 winter findings from its visitor insights which show that whilst visitor numbers are still behind pre-COVID levels, the total visitor expenditure for the months of June, July and August was up 20% over 2019.
Queenstown Lakes releases draft destination management plan for feedback
Friday 22 July 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
A draft destination management plan for the Queenstown Lakes district that outlines a pathway to regenerative tourism by 2030, has been released for community feedback.
Queenstown named one of the world's greatest places in TIME
Thursday 14 July 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown has been named one of the world's greatest places in TIME's list of 50 extraordinary travel destinations around the world. TIME solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.
Queenstown expecting an epic ski season after biggest snowfall in years
Tuesday 14 June 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown received its biggest snowfall in years over the weekend, with the mountains surrounding the alpine town blanketed in over 1.5m of snow in places. The snowfall indicates an epic ski season ahead and the Southern Lakes ski areas are in their final stages of preparations.
Destination Queenstown appoints new Chief Executive
Thursday 19 May 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The Board of Destination Queenstown (DQ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mat Woods to the position of Chief Executive. Mr Woods brings extensive experience across senior tourism, retail and sales roles to the position and will commence with DQ on 20 June
Recipients Announced For The Third Round Of The Southern Lakes REF
Thursday 28 April 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The Southern Lakes Events Investment Panel has announced the successful recipients of the third and final round of the Southern Lakes Regional Events Fund (REF). Funding for this final round was granted to 26 events to be held within the Southern Lakes region between April 2022 and April 2023, and totalled $2,338,000 in investment.
Destination Queenstown appoints PEPR Agency as Australian PR partner
Tuesday 12 April 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Coinciding with the New Zealand border reopening to Australian travellers today, PEPR will work alongside DQ to leverage pent up demand from the Australian market, attracting visitors and encouraging repeat visitation to aid the recovery of Queenstown’s tourism economy. An additional priority for PEPR, and a constant throughout all its PR activities, will be to support the region’s goal for regenerative tourism by 2030.
Queenstown and Wānaka ready and waiting to welcome Aussies back
Wednesday 16 March 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown Airport and regional tourism organisations Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism are delighted by today’s announcement that the New Zealand border will reopen to Australian visitors from 11:59pm on 12 April and other visa-waiver visitors from 1 May.
Destination Queenstown launches Our People, Our Home - a video series celebrating the people within the visitor industry
Thursday 17 February 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown has launched a series of videos which celebrate Queenstown’s people, place, and community spirit called Our People, Our Home. The ten-part series introduces New Zealanders to some of the passionate locals who operate incredible experiences here in Queenstown and takes a glimpse behind their doors.
Queenstown Still Open for Business
Thursday 17 February 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Following media headlines this week stating that Queenstown could be closed in the coming week, Destination Queenstown wants to reassure Kiwis that this isn’t the case and Queenstown is still open for business and welcoming visitors. While there is no doubt that the whole country is facing challenges due to Omicron, Queenstown continues to manage this in-line with the COVID Red setting and operators continue to offer the world-class experiences for which Queenstown is famous.
Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Resigns
Friday 11 February 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown chief executive Paul Abbot will be stepping down from his position from March 2022 due to the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions between NZ & Australia.
Queenstown top rated in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards
Friday 21 January 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown has received two accolades at the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. The town was voted the number one destination for the South Pacific and the fifth best destination worldwide for skiers. It was also recently voted Oceania’s leading city destination at the World Travel Awards.
Applications Open for Final Round of Southern Lakes Regional Events Fund
Monday 17 January 2022 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Applications for the third and final round of the Southern Lakes Regional Events Fund are now open for events held in the May 2022 – February 2023 period. Since the introduction of this fund over 12 months ago, a total of $4.1 million has been granted to 44 events, with a number of these events now successfully delivered and more in the pipeline for this year.
More clarity on international borders needed for tourism businesses
Monday 13 December 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Following comments from Tourism Minister Nash last week regarding international borders potentially not reopening until late 2022, Destination Queenstown is concerned more clarity is needed for the tourism industry to prepare, recruit staff, and guide decision making. A clearer view and timeframe on reopening borders without the seven-day isolation period would be very helpful for the industry.
Crankworx showcases Queenstown’s epic mountain biking to the world
Wednesday 8 December 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown welcomed the Crankworx Summer Series, a multi-stop mountain biking festival, for the first time over the weekend and DQ is delighted with the results. The weekend action brought in viewers from across New Zealand and the world, as 110 athletes covered over 2.7km of terrain across some of Queenstown Bike Park’s renowned trails as well as the recently built Kerry Drive Pump Track.
Destination Queenstown and Southern Wellbeing Trust bringing GoodYarn peer-to-peer workshops to the business community
Tuesday 30 November 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown has partnered with The Southern Wellbeing Trust to bring an award-winning, peer-delivered mental wellbeing programme to support small businesses in the Queenstown area. These workshops will be rolled out from late January 2022 to support the local small business community, in particular those in tourism, accommodation, hospitality and retail.
Destination Queenstown urges Government to reconsider self-isolation conditions
Thursday 25 November 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown is pleased the Government has provided the business community with some much-needed certainty around reconnecting New Zealand with the rest of the world, however the wait may be too long to save some local operators.
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism launch Dirt Reports for the peak biking season
Thursday 25 November 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism have partnered up this biking season to produce Dirt Report, a weekly round-up of all things biking in the district. The online series covers conditions, events, showcases biking locations, new trails and local talent.
New initiative helping businesses and schools target net zero carbon emissions
Monday 18 October 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The Wao Climate Action Initiative from local environmental not-for-profit group Wao Aotearoa is giving local businesses and schools the knowledge and tools to calculate their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and take action to reduce them. The group is working with Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism, and QLDC who are jointly funding the project.
Southern Lakes Regional Events Fund Announces Second Round of Funding Recipients
Friday 17 September 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The second round of applications to the Southern Lakes Regional Events Fund have been considered and the successful recipients announced. Funding for the second round was granted to 25 events, to be held between October 2021 and April 2023, and totalled $1,975,055 in investment.
Queenstown rates highly with Kiwi visitors despite a challenging 2020-21 for the industry
Thursday 2 September 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown (DQ) has released findings from its visitor insights research and despite one of the toughest years on record for local tourism operators, Kiwi visitors have rated their holiday to Queenstown top notch.
Final line-up announced for Welcome to Winter festival and tickets now on sale
Monday 21 May 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The final line-up for the Welcome to Winter festival is been released with tickets now on sale for ticketed events. From 2-4 July, the Queenstown festival will feature an action packed three days of events and activities to celebrate all there is to love about the snowy season.
Queenstown wakes to first major snowfall for 2021
Tuesday 18 May 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown has been transformed into a winter wonderland this morning, with the first major snowfall blanketing the mountains surrounding the alpine town. The snowfall provides a glimpse of the winter season to come and Destination Queenstown interim chief executive Ann Lockhart says Kiwi and Australian snow fans should start getting ready to visit for their snow adventures and ski holidays.
Second round of Business Events Incentive Scheme now open
Monday 17 May 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
The Southern Lakes Events Investment Panel (SLEIP) is now seeking applications for the second round of the Business Events Incentive Scheme. Open today, associations, conference organisers, corporate companies and incentive organisers can apply for the funding scheme via the Southern Lakes Event Fund website.
Destination Queenstown Chief Executive Appointed
Monday 8 March 2021 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Abbot to the position of Chief Executive. Mr Abbot, who has extensive experience in senior tourism and marketing positions, both overseas and in New Zealand, will commence his role in July.
Queenstown a big winner at the 2020 World Travel Awards
13 November 2020, (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown has scored significant wins at the 27th Annual World Travel Awards, winning three of the major awards in the Oceania section and four out of eight titles in the New Zealand section.
Queenstown launches Home of Adventure brand with new domestic campaign
19 October 2020, (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown is today launching its latest domestic campaign, unveiling the region’s Home of Adventure brand and giving Kiwis plenty of reasons to visit during the long days of spring and summer.
Destination Queenstown launches ‘Community Connection’ CSR programme
17 September 2020, (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown and the Queenstown Convention Bureau have launched an innovative new corporate social responsibility programme called “Community Connection”. The programme is designed to connect business events organisers and delegates with local charitable organisations, showcasing ways to contribute to the region during their visit.
Skiers in Queenstown take first laps as winter kicks into gear
26 June 2020, (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Queenstown’s ski season kicked off today, as the lifts at Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort started turning first thing.
Queenstown covered in first major snowfall for 2020
8 June 2020 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Snow over the weekend has blanketed Queenstown's mountains, heralding Queenstown’s transformation for the winter season. The Southern Lakes ski areas are all set to open this season with Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort scheduled to open on 26 June, Treble Cone scheduled to open on 27 June and The Remarkables Ski Area set to open on 4 July.
Queenstown: Come to me this winter
1 June 2020 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
A new campaign enticing Kiwis to Queenstown this winter kicked off this weekend. The campaign will showcase the amazing activities that make Queenstown a winter favourite, using an inspirational new winter video, showing on prime time television placements and promoted across a range of online channels, from 31 May.
Survey shows Queenstown is open for business
Friday 29 May 2020 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
A survey of local tourism businesses recently undertaken by Destination Queenstown shows that 96% of respondents will be open under level 2 for the winter season.
New DQ campaign to support Queenstown recovery
Wednesday 20 May 2020 (Queenstown, New Zealand)
Destination Queenstown’s program of marketing activity to support tourism, share the message that Queenstown is open for business, and invite Kiwi visitors back to the resort town, is well underway.