A group of 25 Kiwi tourism leaders, including our very own Product and Business Development Manager, Fleur Casey has embarked on a tour of the United States. Their mission: to promote a combined Auckland-Queenstown experience to American travelers, showcasing the beauty and culture of New Zealand.
This initiative follows a notable increase in US visitor arrivals, with an increase of 4 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019-2020 and a staggering 31 percent increase compared to 2022-2023. With enhanced air connectivity between North America and New Zealand, the timing couldn't be better to encourage travel.
The tour includes visits to seven US cities, where the operators are advocating for three-night stays in Auckland and Queenstown as integral parts of any New Zealand itinerary. These cities offer unique experiences, with a focus on the Tiaki Promise, which aims to preserve New Zealand's natural beauty and indigenous heritage.
Annie Dundas, Director of Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is excited about the growing interest in New Zealand among American travelers.
Mat Woods, CEO of Destination Queenstown, highlights the importance of responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to engage with local culture while minimising their environmental impact.
Scott Tasker, Chief Customer Officer at Auckland Airport, points out the air connectivity between North America and New Zealand, making it easier than ever for travelers to reach these destinations.
The collaboration between Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Airport, and Destination Queenstown aims to promote the Auckland-Queenstown experience to North American leisure, business, and incentive travelers.
As New Zealand continues to attract American travelers, the partnership between Kiwi tourism leaders and their American counterparts promises to strengthen tourism ties between the two nations.
The other operators involved: Accor Hotels, Altitude Tours, BLACK NZ, Destination Queenstown, Explore Group New Zealand, Fullers 360, Glenorchy Air, Heliworks Queenstown, Heritage Hotels, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Ngāi Tahu Tourism, RealNZ, Skyline Queenstown, Southern Discoveries, Sudima Hotels, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Te Arai Links, Te Manutaupua, The Big Foody Food Tours, The Helicopter Line, Wētā Workshop Unleashed & Ziptrek Ecotours.
