Regardless of the drawn series, the Lions tour was always going to be a winner for tourism.
Remember those helicopter shots of Eden Park, with half the crowd wearing red? Well, each of those red specks was worth about $8000 in tourism revenue (my guess - feel free to send me your best estimate). From hotels, to jetboat drivers, roadside cafes and waterfront bars, the fans have spread their money magnificently.
But an opportunity was missed last week, when the Lions arrived in Queenstown, which doesn't need to promote itself. Tourism NZ should have arranged to have the visitors enjoy their R&R in another region. Luxury lodges from Northland to Akaroa would have lined up for the honour. Oh well, there's always 2029.
