The five-star Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa wants even more of a good thing in 2010…celebrities that is.

The luxurious hotel will host a function for 50 film officials, representatives and community supporters next week (Thursday 10th of December) including New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and local Queenstown MP Bill English as they gather to pitch for continued support and new film business for the destination.

 

Already famous as the backdrop to several famous big-budget international blockbusters including Lord of the Rings, Queenstown is currently the location for new film, Tracker.

 

Sofitel is looking to pitch for high-end business from movie stars and production managers when film shoots come to town, with Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa Sales & Marketing Director Tanya Dennis saying the hotel is just as keen to foster the film industry given its immense potential to directly influence tourism.

 

“Queenstown provides a perfect case study for anyone who wants living proof of the knock on effect movies have on the tourism industry,” she says. “It always pays to look at the bigger picture so we are leveraging every channel possible to help promote and profile our destination at home and beyond.”

According to Film Otago Southland film shoots were worth $37 million-plus to the southern New Zealand economy last year placing it on par with the wine industry. Currently the Government offers a 15 per cent rebate to overseas productions shooting in New Zealand – something the film community hope will continue into 2010.

With her infinite palate of delights, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa combines local spirit with the finest French traditions for the most sophisticated sense of luxury in the heart of Queenstown. Providing exceptional personal service, the hotel truly embodies Sofitel’s concept ‘art de vivre’ – the art of living in style.

Designed to take your breath away, Queenstown’s most exquisite guest rooms feature Sofitel “MyBed”, separate rain shower and spa bath for two and the luxury of a personal espresso machine and under floor heating. A pillow menu and plush New Zealand possum throws add yet another fine touch. LCD televisions and DVD players entertain in both bedroom and bathroom and with balconies off most rooms, the exterior view is just as inspiring with lake or mountains seemingly close enough to touch.

Sofitel Queenstown offers five-star dining at Vie Brasserie and the best Central Otago and international wines or Champagne in cosy Nue Lounge and its adjoining library. The ‘piece de resistance’ is LeSpa – a relaxing haven where mind, body and spirit unite, featuring a celebrated range of traditional rituals and signature European massage and beauty treatments for body and face. Bookings: (Australia) 1300 656565 or email: [email protected]