Wotif.com has seen reported bookings for New Zealand ski regions in 2006 despite reports that last year’s poor snow conditions have affected this season’s success.

Following the bumper snowfalls in recent weeks across many of the New Zealand resorts, Wotif.com received a spike in bookings for most of the ski areas and are well up on last year’s figures.

Graeme Wood, CEO Wotif.com commented: “Following a poor 2005 season savvy travellers have waited until they are sure the conditions are right to book and are snapping up some great deals in the process.

“Wotif.com’s extension to a 28-day booking window, as well as a significant increase in the number of accommodation providers listed on the site from these ski areas, has given consumers more confidence to wait and book online,” he added.

Although the current extreme weather conditions are a challenge for travellers, it is still very early days into the season and Wotif.com’s New Zealand manager, Tania Witheford, is optimistic for a strong finish after seeing bookings double in some regions following big dumps of snow, and steadily increase since then.

“The snow has certainly arrived early this year, and is providing excellent conditions for what is shaping up to be a bumper snow season, especially compared to last year’s season, which started late and finished early,

“Wotif.com has taken the pot-luck out of booking a skiing holiday. With the great outlook for 2006, our broad selection of properties and great deals in the New Zealand ski areas, I am sure that there will be a lot of happy skiers on the slopes and full hotels this season,” said Tania.
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