In a bid to strengthen its position as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists, Tourism New Zealand has unveiled a series of strategic initiatives aimed at boosting visitor numbers from India. These efforts include high-impact marketing campaigns, enhanced travel trade partnerships, and the potential for direct flight connectivity between the two countries.
In a significant move, Air India and Air New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the possibility of direct flights between India and New Zealand. The agreement was formalised in the presence of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, during a tourism reception hosted by Tourism New Zealand. If realized, this direct connectivity would make New Zealand more accessible than ever for Indian travellers, further fueling tourism growth.
Tourism New Zealand, in collaboration with Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand, has committed to a joint seasonal marketing campaign designed to boost travel during New Zealand’s autumn, winter, and spring seasons. This initiative aims to position New Zealand as an attractive year-round destination for Indian tourists, particularly during traditionally quieter travel periods.
An integrated winter campaign has been launched to highlight New Zealand’s stunning winter landscapes, adventure sports, and luxury accommodations. The campaign combines compelling digital media content with curated travel packages, offering Indian travellers immediate booking opportunities through partnered travel agencies.
Recognising the pivotal role of the travel trade industry, Tourism New Zealand has also signed joint venture agreements with nine leading Indian travel partners, including MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, and SOTC.
Tourism New Zealand is optimistic about the potential for growth from the Indian market. India is among the top ten markets for New Zealand, and it has shown the fastest recovery rate post-COVID. While Australia, China, and the US remain the top three markets, India is viewed as a market with significant potential for future growth.
On the occasion, Rene de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, emphasised the importance of the Indian market, stating, “India is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing markets, with holiday visitor numbers experiencing double-digit growth. The travel trade has been instrumental in building the desire for New Zealand as a premium destination. Through improved connectivity and targeted marketing campaigns, we aim to convert this interest into bookings and visitation.”He further highlighted the economic significance of tourism, noting, “Tourism remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, and with Indian travellers’ holiday periods aligning perfectly with our off-peak seasons, we see immense potential for long-term growth.”
Why India Matters to New Zealand?
India has emerged as a key market for New Zealand’s tourism sector, with a growing appetite for international travel among Indian tourists. The alignment of Indian holiday periods with New Zealand’s off-peak seasons presents a unique opportunity to drive year-round visitation. Additionally, the potential for direct flights and tailored travel experiences positions New Zealand as a top choice for Indian travellers seeking luxury, adventure, and natural beauty.
