RWC 2011: free guide for businesses

Auckland businesses now have free access to a wealth of information and resources to help them prepare for Rugby World Cup 2011, with the launch of Auckland’s Match Ready for Business programme.

Information and resources will be updated regularly till the beginning of the Rugby World Cup 2011 on 9 September. Small and medium businesses in Auckland can register for newsletters and email updates on the site.

The online guide has been developed by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd (ATEED) on behalf of the RWC 2011 Auckland Co-ordination Group.

Match Ready for Business includes:

• an easy to follow seven step checklist to ensure businesses are prepared
• video presentations from leading industry figures
• details of transport plans, commercial restrictions and compliance issues that may affect businesses
• workforce planning and training programmes available to support businesses
• tips and tools for welcoming visitors
• opportunities to connect with visiting international businesspeople.

The biggest event on the rugby calendar is expcted to attract 85,000 visitors to New Zealand and provide a significant economic boost to the ailing economy.

Most of those visitors will visit Auckland, says ATEED business and sector development manager Clyde Rogers who expects the RWC2011 to benefit Auckland businesses by up to NZ$267 million in additional direct spend.

“So we want to make sure businesses have the information they need to be ready and make the most of the opportunities for themselves and for Auckland.

Rogers says the Match Ready programme is aimed at small to medium sized businesses.

“There is a focus on businesses that will have direct contact with visitors, but there is also plenty of information here to help other businesses access opportunities such as supplying goods and services or connecting with visiting business people.”

“Visitors will be interacting with businesses many times a day and, regardless of how much they spend, their experience will influence their impression of Auckland.

“A critical part of being match ready is being prepared to be great hosts, not only to encourage visitors to spend while they are here but also to ensure they leave with positive memories of Auckland to pass on to others. That will translate into even greater long-term benefits.”

Match Ready has been given the thumbs up by business groups including the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, the New Zealand Retailers Association and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

“RWC 2011 is a fantastic opportunity for our industry and Match Ready is a really valuable resource to help our businesses prepare for it. We are recommending they spend time on the site and pass the relevant information on to their teams,” says Russell Sinclair, Northern Regional Manager of the New Zealand Retailers Association.

For businesses outside the Auckland region, a national version of Match Ready is being developed by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and will be available in April.