Cardrona's new collaboration with Chinese ski industry
Queenstown tourism giant RealNZ has made a move to tap into the emerging Chinese ski tourism market.
The company's Cardrona Alpine Resort, between Queenstown and Wānaka, has signed a deal with Chongli District Ice and Snow Association, which represents the Chinese ski resort region that hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics.
RealNZ Chief Customer and Sales Officer Scott McNab says the memorandum of understanding is “a significant step in the future of international ski tourism”.
The Chongli region is growing in both size and skier participation at pace, while Cardrona becomes New Zealand’s biggest ski resort in 2025, with the opening of 150ha of new terrain in Soho Basin.
The two ski companies plan to collaborate on talent identification, product development, marketing initiatives, industry training and policy alignment, with a vision to accelerate snow and ice sport participation on a global scale.
Speaking at the signing in Chongli, McNab said the MOU was a commitment to cooperation, innovation, and mutual growth.
“It reflects our shared belief that great ski destinations are not competitors, they can and should elevate each other for the betterment of the sport and increased enjoyment of our guests.”
