Luxury tourism sector a big winner from America's Cup victory

Luxury properties such as the Jagged Edge in Queenstown are popular with the super-rich.

The already buoyant luxury tourism sector will get a big boost from the super-wealthy attracted to an America's Cup regatta in New Zealand.

Boat building, the superyacht industry and the hospitality sector will also be big winners from an event which will require years of buildup in the host city by participating syndicates and months of racing.

The Cup doesn't attract the huge numbers of tourists but was credited with putting the luxury sector on a roll when it was last sailed here in 2003.

Last time it was here it attracted high-profile billionaires with mega yachts and other super-rich who stayed here for weeks.

Although the venue and timing of a Cup defence has not been decided, one luxury lodge operator said the impact of a regatta would be felt throughout the country.

Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch charges up to $3100 a night per couple and managing director Hall Cannon said spending by the ultra-wealthy could be between $50,000 and $100,000 during a New Zealand trip.

"For many of them they view New Zealand as a once-in-a-lifetime destination and while they're here they are going to get out and have a look at the rest of the country. They may be in private jets which makes them especially mobile."

Cannon said the 2003 event had been a catalyst for a boom in the luxury sector.

"New Zealand did see a bit of a slump after that."

He said that during the past two years the luxury market - a target of Tourism New Zealand campaigns - had regained that same momentum because this country was seen as a safe and secure destination.

The 29 members of Luxury Lodges of New Zealand don't release financial details but last year the world's wealthiest spent 19 per cent more here than in the previous 12 months.

Tourism Economics has forecast that the global travel and tourism industry will grow at average 4.8 per cent per year between 2015 and 2025 but luxury travel is expected to grow at average of 6.2 per cent a year - almost a third greater than travel overall.

Seasonz Travel builds tailor-made luxury programmes and its director Matt Lines said while there was a lot of "water to go under the bridge" determining the location and timing of a regatta, the high-end of the market associated with yachting and the America's Cup in particular would be a boon.

"When you talk events, the America's Cup is the one that has a far greater impact with its longevity. It literally starts now and goes right through to the showpiece event and then some time afterwards. We're into it as we speak."

Those travelling here could go hunting or hiking from helicopters in remote parts of the country.

Hotel space is short at peak times of the year but that would not necessarily be a problem for the super-rich.

"They are a little more insulated - if you're going to bring your boat down here you're not going to be worried about a hotel."