31 Mar 2016

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Booming passenger numbers have spurred Christchurch Airport to build a new $80 million hotel opening at the end of next year.

The planned 200 room, 4.5 star Novotel hotel is a response to record passenger growth at the airport and strong demand for short-term accommodation.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns said it would invest $80 million in land and improvements for the hotel development which will be designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects on a site near the main terminal and is expected to open by the end of 2017.

Many of the airport's new flights from Asian countries arrived in the evening and visitors had often been flying for 12 hours or more. Other travellers arrived on trans-Tasman flights late at night or left early in the morning.

"In both cases, they expect to be able to stay overnight on the airport campus, within walking distance of the terminal. From the end of next year, many more will be able to do that,” Mr Johns said.

Latest estimates from Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism showed the city currently had about 800 hotel rooms fewer than what was needed to serve current tourism levels, let alone future growth. "Our airline partners see the lack of new hotel accommodation as a big risk to them adding in any more services."

New airline capacity has added about 800,000 extra seats per year at Christchurch Airport and the 2016 financial year will see it handle a record 6.3 million passengers. Mr Johns said more budget accommodation would soon be available at the Jucy Snooze backpackers the airport is also building. Construction is already underway behind the Spitfire Square retail precinct. This will provide 280 beds from November.

Christchurch City Council owns through Christchurch City Holdings Ltd 75 per cent of Christchurch International Airport Ltd. The Government owns the remaining 25 per cent.

AccorHotels New Zealand Senior Vice President Chris Sedgwick said increasing airport capacity and growing tourist numbers suggested the time was right for a new hotel in the precinct. Novotel Christchurch Airport will be the 9th Novotel branded hotel in New Zealand.