Campaign brings visitors

Iconic Northland scenes such as Tane Mahuta and the Bay of Islands are being seen by tens of thousands of Victorians after the launch of a new marketing campaign.

Tourism NZ’s latest international marketing campaign ’Every day a different journey in Northland’ was launched in Melbourne on January 30.

It will run through to mid March to encourage Victorians to visit Northland in New Zealand’s shoulder season months of October, November, March and April.

The campaign is showcased in high profile outdoor advertising and backed up with Facebook, trade and PR activity.

‘‘Australia is New Zealand’s largest inbound tourism market, accounting for almost half of all visitors,’’ Northland Inc chief executive David Wilson says.

‘‘However, while New Zealand’s tourism industry is buoyant with record levels of visitation and expenditure, there is limited evidence to suggest there has been any change in the economic value being distributed beyond the traditional tourism hubs and into the wider regional areas.’’

Wilson says the research could impact significantly not just on visitor trade to Northland but also on the other regional areas when they come under the spotlight.

‘‘Ultimately increased tourism benefits all New Zealanders.’’

LOOK WHO’S TALKING Melbournians are being encouraged to visit Northland.

‘‘We used to do a lot of cycling but we don't do that up here.’’ Keelie Hewitt