NEW ZEALAND: Strong Support For New Zealand From Australia’s Largest Travel Agencies

Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand recently hosted a meeting with some of the most influential players in Australian travel trade to discuss the challenges and opportunities currently affecting the trans-Tasman tourism market.

The event was held on February 19 and attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key, along with representatives from Flight Centre, Helloworld, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and Expedia.

Tourism New Zealand’s Director of Trade, PR and Major Events René de Monchy says: “Our key stakeholders are telling us that New Zealand continues to deliver an outstanding visitor experience which is why we remain the number one international destination of choice for Australians.

“There is significant appetite around the table to see trans-Tasman tourism grow even further. Arrival growth from Australia is strong and barriers to travel are low,” he says.

Australia accounts for nearly half of all holiday visitors to New Zealand. Holiday arrivals for the year ending December are up 7.8 per cent and total spend is up 23 per cent (year-end September 2015).

During the meeting, executives discussed a wide range of topics including the current economic environment, changes been seen in distribution channels and the aviation landscape.

“The group was particularly focused on making trans-Tasman travel easier, the commencement of night flights into Queenstown later this year and on the potential for New Zealand to host bigger conferences with new facilities coming on line.

“Increasing knowledge of New Zealand in those audiences who have never visited is an ongoing challenge that we will continue to work on.

“Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and the Regional Tourism Organisations all place significant focus and effort on maintaining the position that Australia holds in our portfolio of target tourism markets – a focus that continues to pay off,” says Rene.

Last week Tourism New Zealand launched its new cycling campaign, fronted by Australian star Megan Gale, and its early-bird ski campaign kicks off in March.