Media Invited to Welcome China's Top Travel Agents to New Zealand

Two hundred and fifty of China’s leading travel agents will visit New Zealand next month in one of the largest travel agent familiarisations of its kind in the world.

Auckland Airport Chief Executive Officer Adrian Littlewood says it is a great honour for New Zealand to be chosen as the country to host this elite delegation, organised by China Southern Airlines.

“China is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing inbound tourism markets and the future opportunities for growth for our country are phenomenal. This trip is a rare chance for our tourism industry to showcase the very best New Zealand has to offer and for the agents to then share their experiences with potential travellers back in China. It also further strengthens the all-important New Zealand-China relationship, especially with us celebrating 40 years of formal diplomatic links between our two countries on 22 December,” he says.

The delegates will arrive at Auckland International Airport on a new China Southern A380 on Monday 10 December at 1700. The plane will be welcomed with a water arch salute on arrival and delegates will be greeted with a powhiri on entering the terminal.

Delegates will stay in New Zealand for six days, visiting various tourist destinations around Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua and the Waikato.

Media and photo opportunities on arrival include:

·         Access to the tarmac to film/photograph the plane landing and water arch salute once the plane touches down

·         Ability to film/photograph delegates being greeted by the powhiri

·         Photo opportunities of delegates with Hobbit installations

 

Please contact Aidan Cunningham on 09 361 2904 to confirm interest in attending and securing airside access. You would need to be at the Airport by 1600 to access the tarmac.