Southland's accommodation will be bulging at the seams next week as the hospitality sector gears up to host the annual Burt Munro Challenge.
ILT chief executive Chris Ramsay said all the trust’s accommodation was fully booked for both the Burt Munro and Southern Field Days.
"We can’t wait for Burt Munro to return and [are] excited about the lift it’s going to bring right across all of our businesses.
"The accommodation properties have got the no-vacancy signs up for that period, which is fantastic."
The trust was also expecting its restaurants to be extremely busy.
"Whenever there’s big events on in town, and whenever accommodation properties are full up, there’s a definite correlation between how full our hotels and motels are to how busy our restaurants are."
The field days were on the following week, which the trust got some added benefit from, he said.
Invercargill deputy mayor Tom Campbell said the Burt Munro was one of the great festivals which had done a huge amount for the city’s economy and reputation as a tourist destination.
"It’s absolutely the right time to come to Southland to experience ... some great sights ... and some tremendous landscapes."
Great South tourism and events general manager Mark Frood said events such as the Burt Munro made Invercargill and the surrounding areas more vibrant communities.
"It brings people in far and wide.
"It helps to attract people to live and work in the region as well."
The event was now being marketed in Australia, and had attracted international visitors from as far afield as the United States.
"It’s such an eclectic group of people that come to things like the Burt Munro," Mr Frood said.
Tower Lodge owner Val Neylon said she had been referring late bed-seekers to outlying towns and had to turn away frequent guests.
Booking well in advance at this time of the year had become essential if people wanted to be sure they had a bed, Ms Neylon said.
The field days, at the Waimumu site just outside Gore, which follow directly on the tail of the Burt Munro, are adding to the busy season.
Ms Neylon said she had noticed the summer season’s bookings had been particularly buoyant, as a lot of international travellers were back in the country since the borders reopened.
Southland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sharee Carey said hosting events such as these was a testament to the city’s vibrant local culture as well as a significant boost to its economy.
"From hospitality to accommodation, retail to tourism, local businesses eagerly welcome the opportunity to showcase the very best of Southland.
"We look forward to a fantastic turnout, as these events continue to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community."
— Toni McDonald
