Like a bagel and cream cheese, good partnerships just work. This is why we’re stoked that The Travel Junction and I Love NY (ILNY) are back with a new campaign to coincide with the arrival of the inaugural AKL-JFK Air New Zealand flight. We caught up with ILNY’s Kate Cuthbertson to get the skinny on what it’s like on the ground in New York right now!
The Travel Junction, the trade-only online wholesaler of global hotels, airfares, and experiences, is the bagel with everything; ILNY, promoter of all things across New York State, is the delicious and filling cream cheese. It’s the kind of partnership we love (mmm, bagels!).
Get the on-the-ground low-down on New York from ILNY’s Kate Cuthbertson
ILNY Account Director, Kate Cuthbertson, is on the ground in New York right now with trade partners, having flown over on the inaugural Air New Zealand AKL-JFK service! We managed to interrupt Kate’s jam-packed itinerary to get the low-down on the flight, the sights, and the skinny on their partnership with The Travel Junction.
What have you been up to since jetting into New York State?
“We’ve been in the Hudson Valley, a destination known for its natural beauty, rich history, one-of-a-kind experiences, and authentic Americana. And it’s just a 90-minute trip by car or train from Times Square!
Arriving in the Hudson Valley feels like you’re a world away from the bright city lights of NYC! The beauty of the Hudson River and the villages that line it, was more gorgeous than I expected – it’s a designated National Heritage Area! The food and wine were a highlight for me due to the region’s booming food and farmer’s market scene, wineries, and micro-breweries. Did you know it’s the oldest wine-producing area in the United States?
Standouts for me included the Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, City Winery Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House, The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome biplane ride and The Eldred Preserve. We were also lucky to dine at The Culinary Institute of America, where many famous chefs studied, including Anthony Bordain.”
What’s a good time to visit New York State? We hear that fall is a popular time to visit; is it worth the wait?
“New York State is fab year-round, but it’s especially popular in fall and summer. Though, I’ve received many enquiries lately about winter family holidays from Australia too – from spots to celebrate a white Christmas to resorts that showcase New York State’s spectacular ski slopes.
New York State has 11 unique vacation regions where you can discover what you LOVE about New York – there’s something truly exceptional for everyone to discover all year round!
Fall, though, wow. The beautiful fall foliage emerges across New York State. From the Catskills to the Adirondacks, New York State’s vibrant and colourful fall foliage offers some of the world’s most vivid autumnal colours. Check out this handy I LOVE NY fall foliage report for the latest scenes.”
You travelled on the inaugural Air New Zealand flight from Auckland. How was it?
“The flight was fantastic, and the Air New Zealand service was flawless. The party at the departure gate at Auckland Airport was so exciting, with New York theming, live music, and a photo booth!
We travelled in Premium Economy, and I was impressed with the seat comfort, pitch and legroom, and the food, wine and service. On the way home, I’ll be experiencing Economy Skycouch. I’m looking forward to that!”
How much closer does New York feel now you can travel trans-Pacific with one short stop from all Australian major cities?
“Transiting Auckland from Australia en route to JFK International Airport is fast, easy, and seamless. The transit experience alone makes New York State feel closer than ever, let alone the nonstop flight from AKL!”
So, New York State has partnered with The Travel Junction again; tell us why this partnership with ILNY works.
“As The Travel Junction has long positioned itself as a one-stop wholesaler, offering a depth of New York product, it makes sense. They not only offer hotels and specialist accommodation but tours, experiences, and attractions across the whole state. Plus, they offer competitive pricing, including some incredible deals when combining airfares with a 3-night stay, creating a win for the traveller and agents.”
How does this partnership help the trade?
“Partnering with The Travel Junction allows us to shine a light on how easy it is to promote the best of New York State to your clients. The Travel Junction offer compelling self-drive itineraries, bookable via their HELiO platform. These curated journeys into the best attractions across the state – from the iconic, like Niagara Falls and the Hamptons, to the lesser-known Finger Lakes and Albany, give instant access to creative itineraries, booked in an instant.”
The promotion is supported by The Travel Junction’s industry-leading commission earned on accommodation – up to 12% – plus its commitment to never impose deposit, cancellation, or amendment fees. And, thanks to the wholesale airfares complementing The Travel Junction’s offering, competitive packages can be created with New York State curated or self-build package options to help agents optimise their clients’ adventures.
Combined with land arrangements from just three nights, advisors can also take advantage of wholesale airfares available in HELiO with no ticketing or credit card fees. Every New York State booking earns advisors maximum bonus points in The Travel Junction’s year-round incentives and the chance to participate in an epic grand prize in August 2023.
The deets
To register to access The Travel Junction’s competitive fares and creative packages, sign up here.
To book visit here and learn more about New York state and view all promotional itineraries here.
To learn more about The Travel Junction’s agent incentives visit here.
