Feedback will inform Games improvements

The management of the Winter Games is taking stock of the inaugural event, and its impact on the region's economy, before deciding on the structure and date for the next games.

Winter Games NZ chief executive officer Arthur Klap told the Queenstown Times he was gathering information to evaluate August's event.

"Feedback and reports are coming in on a daily basis," Mr Klap said.

An internal debrief is taking place, and reports and surveys are being prepared.

As part of an economic impact survey, a comprehensive questionnaire has been sent to participants of the games, with the aim of getting a more detailed picture of spending during the event.

Based on a study by the Ministry of Economic Development, the board had estimated the Winter Games could bring $50 million in direct spending to the Otago economy.

While work was still under way to evaluate the financial impact of the event, Mr Klap was positive about the outcome.

"We met our primary targets of attracting more than 800 athletes with a large number of supporters and officials, and the event got great exposure.

That would indicate a positive economic impact," he said.

The Economic Impact Survey also looks at participant and visitor satisfaction.

"We are getting a lot of valuable feedback and suggestions from competitors, coaches and team leaders, which will help us make the next games an even greater success."

Mr Klap said the final picture of how much money participants and visitors put into local economies during the games would be an important aspect when it came to finding sponsors for the next event.

Along with general feedback, it would also be crucial to the board's strategy for the ongoing Winter Games.

It had been discussed whether the next Winter Games should be held in 2011 as planned, or in 2013, leading up to the next Winter Olympics.

The board of directors is expected to make a decision on the timing when they meet in November.