Bayfair Shoppers Catch the Travel Bug

The strong New Zealand dollar is fuelling the travel bug in the Bay of Plenty as residents take advantage of the exchange rate and head off to tropical locations.

Recent data from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand shows that the New Zealand dollar reached a record high against the US dollar in February, at the same time as a drop in the British pound, making overseas holidays more financially viable.

With a new Flight Centre opening at Bayfair, local shoppers will be able to take advantage of this financial upturn. Flight Centre regional manager Chris Bain says, “The combination of the strong Kiwi dollar and additional flight options has opened up the travel experience.

“In 2012 New Zealanders were cautious with spending, but with a more stable economy there is a renewed confidence and those who didn’t get to take a trip last year are getting out and abroad in 2013.”

Encouraged by the exchange rate, Bay of Plenty residents are looking further afield than the jump across the ditch to Australia. Statistics New Zealand is reporting an increase in visits to the Cook Islands, Samoa, India and the United States in 2012 against the year before. Mr Bain says, “We’ve noticed that Bay of Plenty residents have been bitten by the travel bug, with journeys to North America and tropical locations increasing in popularity.

“Our data indicates that Bay of Plenty residents also enjoy the cruise experience of visiting multiple holiday locations and having accommodation, food, entertainment and transport all included - while only needing to unpack the once.”

Louise Chapman, marketing manager at Bayfair, says, “I hope Bayfair shoppers take advantage of the experienced Flight Centre team and the strong New Zealand dollar and let their imagination go wild in planning a thrilling overseas adventure.”

Flight Centre has over 130 stores in New Zealand. The new store at Bayfair Shopping Centre opened on 1 March 2013.