Rugby World Cup Boosts Car Rental Spend

The Rugby World Cup finished yesterday & New Zealand car rental companies are reported a 30% increase in bookings as a result of it.

Many car rental firms reported a 30% increase within the first ten days of the tournament.

The Rugby World Cup Boosts the Travel Sector. Caused by the Haka?

New Zealand’s leading car rental companies (such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar & Thrifty) reported the 30% increase during the first 10 days of the Rugby World Cup. Financially, New Zealand’s entire car rental sector saw a massive sales influx of revenue – totalling US$2.1 million year-on-year.

So which New Zealand cities saw the largest increase in custom? Our New Zealand car rental comparison engine tell us that Auckland (primarily Auckland Airport), Northland, Waikato, Taupo, Taranaki, Otago and Southland saw the must the largest increase in bookings during the Cup.

Car rental aside, New Zealand’s economy as a whole has benefited tremendously: Credit card spending from overseas customers was up a total of 32.5%, or US$12 million. Paymark, who co-ordinates 75% of all EFT transactions in New Zealand, said this was “huge”.

We believe that this bubble hasn’t burst yet either. Most tourists & attendees have plans for an extended stay, enabling them to take in some of the beautiful scenery and tourist attractions New Zealand has to offer. And private car rental is generally recognised as the only way to travel around New Zealand.

Congratulations to New Zealand for hosting & winning the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC).