Some 400 Australian travel agents arrived in Aotearoa this week for the largest-ever trade famil of New Zealand.
Organised by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, the famil took agents from around Australia across the ditch for the five-day exclusive journey.
The experience began with an Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia alliance training session, which updated consultants on the pair’s joint services.
Tourism New Zealand – Rene de Monchy Director Trade, PR & Major Events, Kevin Bowler CEO, Tony Saunders GM Australia, Air New Zealand – Leanne Geraghty GM Australia, Virgin Australia with Crew & James Tobin.
This was followed by a series of workshops hosted by Regional Tourism Organisations. Held in Auckland, the one-day workshop featured insights from Contiki founder John Anderson, a masterclass with The Sugar Club Head Chef Neil Brazier and briefings from Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia.
Now onto the sightseeing – agents will visit 23 regions stretching from the tip of the North to the bottom of the South Island, following customised itineraries based on recent touring, cycling and ski campaigns.
Air New Zealand lunchtime Masterclass. Neil Brazier, Head Chef at Peter Gordon’s restaurant “Sugar Club”.
Tourism New Zealand General Manager, Tony Saunders, said he’s thrilled the programme has been revamped to include more than ever this year.
“We’re excited to host 160 more participants than last year and introduce agents in regional Australia to regional New Zealand.”
Tony Saunders, Tourism New Zealand General Manager
Stan Walker performance.
“With more unique experiences and regions visited than ever before, this is the largest trade activity for 2015 that will drive arrivals during shoulder season.”
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Australia Leanne Geraghty concurred, saying Air New Zealand is proud to be co-hosting the All-Star famil with Virgin Australia.
Haka Legend performance.
“Our solid long term relationship allows us to take advantage of the growing and significant interest in destination New Zealand.”