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Aussie Skiers Flocking to Niseko |
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Written by Skipress
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Thursday, 06 October 2005 |
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Skiers Flocking to Niseko Bolster
Hokkaido's Economy
An Aussie-led real estate development, near Hokkaido's renowned winter
resorts, is indication of the enormous demand for apartment-style
accommodation.
Skiers flocking to Niseko are a booming export market.
They're pumping significant dollars into the Hokkaido economy during the
Japanese winter season.  An Aussie-led real estate development, near Hokkaido's renowned winter resorts, is indication of the enormous demand for apartment-style accommodation.
Skiers flocking to Niseko are a booming export market. They're pumping significant dollars into the Hokkaido economy during the Japanese winter season.
William Kernot MD of Ski Max says:"We elevated the choice of Japanese resorts to the front of our Northern Hemisphere brochure because demand for Japan is outselling North America and Europe.
"The new, non-stop JAL flights to Sapporo from Sydney next January and March will help satisfy the huge demand for Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu, on the island of Hokkaido, the powder capital of Japan.
"There are still plenty of seats available on the JAL charter flights, non stop ex-Sydney to Sapporo's Chitose Airport.
"However, Australian Airlines flights via Cairns to Sapporo are pretty full in January.
"With four months of bookings still to go Ski Max has already sold more Japan winter holidays this year than the whole of last season.
"Based on current booking patterns we're expecting a 100% increase on 2004 sales to Japan and currently our bookings to the popular American resorts are up 20%. Canada is down 27% & Europe much the same."
Australian developer,Sydney-based Steve Sadlier (of AUSteam International), has purchased several parcels of land with a local Japanese contact.
His company is currently finishing four apartments aptly called Youtei Townhouses (because Mt Youtei, an extinct volcano, dominates the view) at Higashiyama, one of five communities linked by the ski lifts at Niseko.
Australian-owned Hanazono (who intend to open ski lifts in mid-November) has purchased 280 new high-end K2 and Elan skis which powderhounds can hire for 5,000 yen about $60 Aus a day, specifically for Niseko's snow conditions.
Colin Hackworth, the very excited President of Harmony Resorts Niseko Pty Ltd (HRN) owner of the soon to be developed Hanazono 8,500 bed village, says it has located its fusion Demo Fleet in central Niseko, opposite the Seiko Mart, and is open 8am - 8pm daily.
"Japan is the fastest growing market for Australian skiers going overseas, said Hackworth. "It is no doubt one of the most exciting ski products I've ever come across.
"How good is it when you can purchase an overseas skiing holiday for under $2,000. And snow, the economic engine of any ski resort, falls in abundant quantities each winter in Hokkaido."
Hanazono offer numerous skiing-friendly products such as The White Room Program (the ultimate powder indulgence without a helicopter) available online www.skihanazono.com.
A Ski Max 'charter flight special' departs Sydney on 26 January and returning from Sapporo on 3 February 2006, costs from $1999 + taxes per person.
'Charter flight special' includes JAL flights from Sydney - Sapporo, return transfers to Niseko, eight nights in a standard room at Australia House (with share facilities), daily breakfasts and a Niseko Seven Day Lift Pass.
For more details call Ski Max 02 9267 1655 or 1300 136 997
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 06 October 2005 )
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