Get to know true New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand has virtually launched its new campaign – Messages from New Zealand – which features New Zealanders sharing video messages of hope and care with their international ‘whānau’ (family), presenting a unique Kiwi perspective on what is important to them.

Manas Dwivedi

Launched in the presence of Steven Dixon, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Asia, Tourism New Zealand and His Excellency David Pine, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India, the campaign showcases locals who embody the values of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (care for the land) through positivity and encouragement. This beautifully captures their wholesome message of kindness and compassion towards family, friends and loved ones all around the world, and released through social media and digital channels. Each of these ‘Messages’ will show that New Zealand is a country which is driven by what matters in life, underpinned by the purity of its values.

To further engage and educate agents, Tourism New Zealand will launch a ‘Virtual Road Trip’ campaign as well. The ‘Virtual Road Trip’ will showcase a different region of the country each month. This campaign will be shared on Tourism New Zealand’s travel trade website. To bring to life the campaign in India, Tourism New Zealand will be partnering with its Indian whānau, including influencers – who have a strong affinity with New Zealand – highlighting their own personal experiences and connections with the country.

Commenting on the campaign, Dixon said, “The travel industry has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis tremendously in the past few months and it is important now more than ever that we stay connected to visitors and our travel trade friends in India. Almost 80 per cent of all transactions for New Zealand from India are made through travel agents. Through ‘Messages from New Zealand’, we are staying in touch with our international family, including those right here in India, and letting them know that we are waiting to welcome them to our shores again when the time is right and borders reopen.”

Talking about future plans for the Indian market, he said, “We are looking forward to revamp the New Zealand specialist programme and looking at more exciting ways to engage with the audience. So far we have had over 2000 specialists, and we plan to increase that number by about 30 per cent over the next year.”