NZ to host major convention of US travel writers

Preparations are on-track for an estimated 500-strong convention of travel writers to be held in Wellington in November, with organisers reporting the fastest ever uptake on registrations.

More than 320 travel writers have already signed up for the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) convention hosted by Tourism New Zealand, Positively Wellington Tourism and Air New Zealand.

SATW President Dale Leatherman was in New Zealand recently to see the country's tourism hotspots ahead of SATW's first conference in New Zealand.

Ms Leatherman said she had been eager to visit New Zealand ahead of the Convention on 7 - 12 November to assist with planning and also to help convey the message that New Zealand was as amazing as ever and there was every reason for North American travellers to continue to visit following the Christchurch Earthquake.

"Even though New Zealand has been through so much difficulty recently, tourism operators are open for business and it's important for the traveling public to know that. The earthquake has hurt the country so it's a compelling message to get back to the US. Americans love to travel to NZ and we want to keep that adventure and tourism spirit alive.

"It's the Society's first convention in New Zealand and we are very proud and excited to be coming here. We anticipate building on the record number of 320 registrations received to date and having more than 500 member travel writers attending and participating in tours of New Zealand to experience the local culture," she said.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler said the anticipated attendance of such a large contingent of well regarded travel writers at this year's convention offered "an enormous opportunity to gain widespread media coverage about New Zealand in the US and Canada.

"The focus on New Zealand will significantly boost exposure for New Zealand in one of our major tourism markets, straight after the Rugby World Cup. We are very pleased to have an opportunity to show off the fantastic experiences available to North Americans considering a holiday in New Zealand. Enthusiastic coverage generated from people who have first-hand experience of what's on offer in our country is a very powerful influence on those making travel decisions," he said.

Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks says the convention will see the equivalent of four years' worth of international media files through the city in the space of just five days.