Leading New Zealand tourism operator Real Journeys is about to add Christchurch's International Antarctic Centre to its portfolio.
The company announced this morning it would become become the new owner and operator of the attraction at the end of the month, as part of an investment push into Christchurch's tourism growth.
Real Journeys operates a range of businesses in the South, including TSS Earnslaw and Cardrona Alpine Resort.
Chief executive Richard Lauder said the company was looking forward to adding another iconic New Zealand attraction to its portfolio.
The timing was perfect, he said, as tourism returns to Christchurch and the airport experiences strong international airline growth.
"Christchurch International Airport has done a lot of work improving tourism," he said.
"Using our expertise in operating quality visitor attractions, our market reach, and a little bit of love and investment, I think we'll be able to move the International Antarctic Centre up to a new level and deliver a better experience, both to locals who enjoy the attraction and international visitors who are coming here in greater and increasing numbers."
Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns said seeing Real Journeys invest in the future of Canterbury tourism was very positive news for the industry there.
"This sets the International Antarctic Centre up for future success, with Real Journeys looking at a multimillion-dollar upgrade of the attraction.
"It will also see the attraction play a more significant role in connecting visitors to Christchurch with both our airport's and our country's long relationship with the ice.
Mr Lauder said all staff were being retained on a business as usual basis.
Mr Lauder and Real Journeys chairman Roger Wilson met staff at the centre this morning, after they were informed about the change of ownership.
