India high-value market for NZ

Tourism New Zealand has started exploring newer markets in the country as visitor arrivals from India double within four years. Steven Dixon, Regional Manager (South & South East Asia), Tourism New Zealand, reveals more.

TT Bureau

Q. What makes India a priority market for you?

India remains a key market for New Zealand for multiple reasons. Not only are more Indians visiting New Zealand than before, they are also incredibly valuable to our industry as they stay in New Zealand for 13 days on an average and enjoy approximately 20 tourism experiences during that time. Indian travellers are also amongst the most adventurous of our international visitors and include experiences like skydiving, jet-boating and scenic flights in their itinerary.

The total visitor arrivals from India to New Zealand have doubled from 33,000 to 66,000 in the past four years

Q. Can you share the latest figures from India?

The total visitor arrivals from India to New Zealand have doubled from 33,000 to 66,000 in the past four years, with more Indians visiting the country than ever before. In recognition of this Incredible growth and increased interest in the Indian market from New Zealand tourism operators, we expanded our annual Kiwi Link India, this year. The new format will see the organisation and partners hosting key buyers from around India in Mumbai, followed by frontline training in Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Q. How was this year’s Kiwi Link India?

Kiwi Link India 2018 was the biggest ever so far with events conducted in Mumbai, Bengaluru and New Delhi. Each year, we get feedback from our operators and often it is asking us to explore different regions in India. This is why we added one more city – Bengaluru. There was also participation by almost 200 delegates from 118 Indian companies – an increase of 16 per cent in registrations compared to last year. Of this, 22 per cent were first timers. In addition, delegates from a record 40 New Zealand companies travelled to India for the event.

NZ’s New video campaign

• Tourism New Zealand’s brand evolution has taken shape in a new video content that went global in July 2018. The videos are aired in the Australia, USA, UK, Germany, Japan, China, Indonesia, India and Brazil markets. The four new videos feature kiwis from each region welcoming, guiding and sharing their home with international visitors