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Tourism encourages NZ operator

A New Zealand operator has expanded their fleet as the region’s tourism market is increasing

Christchurch operator Red Bus has unveiled their new brand and fleet of coaches, Red Travel, recently to increase their charter capacity as the region’s tourism industry re-emerges.

Chief executive Paul McNoe says they saw an opportunity to increase their charter capacity when a major player withdrew from Christchurch earlier in the year. 

They were also spurred on by the remerging Canterbury tourism industry.

“Before the earthquakes tourism was Canterbury’s second largest industry, we are starting to see visitors return and they are demanding a quality transportation service,” he says.

“We’ve seized this opportunity and are optimistic it will generate a positive return for the company and the city.”

Red Bus are looking to build on their strong relationships with the local schools and sports teams as well as building new relationships with inbound tour operators.

The company will continue to operate passenger excursions for cruise ship passengers travelling from Akaroa. 

By investing in new coaches the company will be able to offer a higher level of comfort and service for passengers. 

Red Travel has also taken on additional employees including a new charter manager, Nick Dwan.

Christchurch and Canterbury convention bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield says Red Travel will provide much needed transportation infrastructure to the two main growth areas of the tourism sector – business events and conferences and the cruise sector. 

“It sounds like the perfect marriage of opportunities, one in the summer period and the other primarily shoulder or winter market,” she says.

The charter fleet includes four fully refurbished luxury Scania coaches with comfortable, reclining seats, air-conditioning, and low emission engines.

Red Travel has also purchased three mini vans for smaller groups.

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