Knowledge is power, and in the Travel Industry, this translates into selling power. The more you know about a destination, the better you can sell it, and the more confidence and trust your clients will have in you.
The 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme is THE pathway to increased sales, confidence and all-round smarts on New Zealand, that oh-so-dreamy land across the ditch.
Today we sit down with Amanda Grogan, an Assistant Team Leader from Flight Centre, and pick her brain on what she got out of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme as well as what she loves about the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Amanda Grogan.
Oh, and make sure you read until the end where you’ll learn how you can win a sweet-as spot on a fully-hosted famil to New Zealand, flying with Air New Zealand.
What is your favourite place in New Zealand?
Hokianga and Waipoua Kauri Forest
Why is it special to you?
The beach is so beautiful – you can see the ocean and even sometimes whales! It’s also not as busy as some other NZ hotspots so I like the secluded feeling.
I can’t gush enough about Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter. Our guide was so passionate when he taught us the history of this forest and the Maori culture linked to the land. The experience had a spiritual element to it too – connecting with these old, wise, beautiful trees in their natural habitat – and it was definitely one of my top travel moments of all time
Waipoua Forest, Northland.
Do you have a favourite time of year to visit?
Spring or autumn – it’s not as busy as summer and the weather is perfect!
What do you see as New Zealand’s unique selling points – the “must-dos” when creating itineraries for your clients?
I think the number one unique selling point is you could create an itinerary for literally anyone! Any demographic, at any budget, for any type of experience.
NZ is known for adventure – you can do this to the extreme with bungee jumping and helihikes – or on a budget with bush walks and camping. They can cater for families, active holidays, romantic getaways, indulgent and opulent experiences or itineraries based around unique events – there really is something for everyone. And for such a small country, there are months and months of travelling and experiences to be had – so a great repeat destination so close to home!
“Must Dos” for me are an animal experience (e.g., whale watching in Kaikoura, blue penguin colony in Oamaru), an adventure experience (e.g., river rafting Hokianga Gorge, cycling the Great Taste Trail) and an epic scenery experience (e.g., Arthur’s Pass, Milford Sound, Able Tasman NP).
Kaikoura, Canterbury.
Which aspect of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme do you find most useful?
The modules! They are all so interactive and therefore they really commit to your memory.
How has the programme helped you sell more NZ product?
The program has helped me sell more travel because it really opened up the possibilities in NZ for every single demographic, budget and length of holiday.
I’m now confident in selling a family a South Island road-trip or putting a couple in a luxurious romantic property for their anniversary trip. It also peaked my own personal interest in trips to NZ, and I definitely believe if we love a product we are more passionate and likely to sell it.
WIN A SPOT ON A FAMIL
Hokianga, Northland.
To celebrate the launch of the upgraded 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme, Tourism New Zealand is giving Travel Agents around the country the chance to win one of eight places on an exciting famil to the Land of the Long White Cloud, with flights sponsored by Air New Zealand.
All you have to do is achieve Bronze status in the New Zealand Specialist Programme by 31 July and you’ll automatically go into the draw to win – how easy is that?!
Ready to join Amanda as a Bronze New Zealand Specialist, plus go in the running to win a spot on an incredible NZ famil? Then get clicking and get those brain cogs turning today – you’ll sell and earn more quicker than you can say kia ora!
Become a Bronze New Zealand Specialist
What is your favourite place in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments below.
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