Skiing diehards and italktravel owners Julia and Mark van Huisstede sat down with travelBulletin recently to give us their hot tips on selling this cool holiday.
Is there much interest among Australians in southern hemisphere ski holidays?
Yes, skiing in the southern hemisphere is still a very popular option, is easy and quick to access the ski fields in Australia & NZ. Aussies love skiing with Aussies and NZ alike. A huge amount of Australians ski, but travelling far overseas (although once there can be reasonably cheap) isn’t always convenient with time constraints and airfare costs.
What is the most popular ski destination in the southern hemisphere?
New Zealand is the most popular ski destination in the southern hemisphere for the Australian Market. I would like to see South America increase in interest but for affordability and cultural experience NZ has it all not to mention great choice of mountains, ski levels and its an opportunity to travel overseas. Snow in NZ is generally more consistent too.
What sort of travellers are interested in ski holidays?
Travellers who love to be busy, who are energetic, want to “give something a go” enjoy the social aspect of lodges and meeting new people be it at your accommodation or simply on a chair lift whilst skiing. You need to love the great outdoors and the feeling of freedom as you ski or baord down a mountain, fresh air on your face! but if you’re a beginner it also requires a little bit of determination and stamina. For young couples or families skiing provides you with the opportunity to create life long memories and the chance to teach your children a skill for life, its an activity that a family can all enjoy as a whole and enjoy for many years to come.
Which resorts would you recommend for couples, families, and advanced skiers?
Queenstown & Wanaka – they cover all levels of skiing with Wanaka (Treble Cone & Cardrona) being for most advanced skiers and including Heli Skiing. Queenstown (Coronet Peak and Remarkables) are easily accessed from Queenstown, offer a large choice of skiing styles and activities.
What should an agent consider when selling ski holidays?
What features the destination or resort has to offer when sending clients, in case when the client gets there skiing everyday isn’t their thing. Travel insurance is an absolute must in case of injury or illness. What the package inclusions are so that as much is pre paid before they go (lift passes, meals and transports in and out of the ski fields and from the airports as ski fields are isolated). Having the time to sit down with your client and identify their needs, wants, budget is essential.
