Accompanied by key suppliers from New Zealand, the South Pacific country’s national carrier called in Toronto and Calgary this week as part of a North American mission designed to “harness everything New Zealand… and bring a touch of New Zealand” to the trade.
Featuring a cultural performance of singers and dancers (banner photo), Air New Zealand general manager for the Americas Ben Evers-Swindell said the events, which included hosting about 60 travel agents and others at the Hotel X in Toronto (and which served salmon flown in from the New Zealand), were meant to bring “a taste of quintessential, authentic Kiwi” to attendees.
Indeed, he touted New Zealand as a destination where visitors could “turn back the clock 30 or 40 years to real human values” and where there is fresh air (and no smog), rain forests, and warm and genuine people.
“The human relationships – that’s what sets us apart,” he said.
ANZ Canadian national accounts manager Katie Olsson said that tourism to the destination is booming, not least with Canadians, who can get there on Air New Zealand daily from Vancouver in high season (Nov.-Feb.) and five times weekly March-Nov. There is also double daily service from Los Angeles, plus other US gateways. And the airline offers 24 domestic destinations within New Zealand for onward explorations.
In Canada, ANZ is a Star Alliance/Air Canada partner, but also works with WestJet and Porter for connections.
Olsson noted that Canadians tend to stay three to four weeks in destination – higher than the global average for its other markets. And many combine a visit with a trip to Australia.
With several classes of service, and new ones like business premium luxe to be added this year, Olsson says there are plenty of flat-bed options for the 12.5-hour flight (from YVR), which, though long, is “closer than (many Canadians) think.”
Meanwhile, supplier partners told travel advisors about new hotel and lodge options; indigenous tourism and wine country visits; farm and eco tours; boat and flightseeing excursions (plane and helicopter), along with other adventure opportunities like white water rafting, kayaking, and even skiing on the South Island. At Hobbiton – the film set from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies (and one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions) – a new “venture beyond the door” product allows visitors to immerse themselves in “Middle Earth” by actually going into (newly expanded) hobbit holes.
Noting that New Zealand has “never been more accessible” for Canadians, Anthony Saba, VP South Pacific for Goway Travel, says the destination is perfect for the Canadian traveller.
“Our years of selling New Zealand shows that Canadians like to stay a little longer and explore a little more when travelling to the South Pacific,” he says. “Beyond some of its iconic sights, New Zealand’s compact size means that unique experiences and regional travel are easily accessed; the kind of places that you just want to stay a bit longer in.”
And he adds, “Go once to New Zealand (and) you will want to go again!”