100% Pure New Zealand

A delegation of tourism officials from New Zealand made a stop in Toronto yesterday (Oct. 3) in the midst of a 15-city road show to update travel industry personnel on all that’s new in the land made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy – including new direct flights out of Houston with Air New Zealand.

The event was held at Sazzafraz and hosted by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and a number of partners up from New Zealand.

Also on hand was Honorary Consul Phillip Crawley who noted that tourism is a $30 billion business in New Zealand, which has seen a 17% increase in international visitors over the past year. From Canada, the numbers as of August are up about 9%, totalling about 56,000.

Crawley encouraged agents and their clients to take their time when visiting the southwestern Pacific Ocean destination, which consists of two main – and very different – islands, North and South.

“New Zealand is much more than Auckland. Take the time, don’t just spend three or four days,” he said, adding there’s beaches, forests, penguins and lots of wildlife. “It’s really remarkable.”

Why sell New Zealand? Agents were advised the reasons are numerous and include: beautiful landscapes, culture, food and wine, the warm and welcoming people and wildlife.

Tourism New Zealand has a special website for the trade at http://traveltrade.newzealand.com/en-ca, as well as a 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Program.

It was also noted that there are many options for getting to New Zealand, including direct service from Vancouver (daily during peak season).

Pictured (l-r) at the Toronto event are Renata West, Tourism New Zealand, Sabrina Bernacchia, Air New Zealand, Gabrielle Boyd, Tourism New Zealand, Maureen Kim, Air New Zealand, and Brian Jobling, Air New Zealand.