Tourism NZ, Air New Zealand mega-famil

A CONGLOMERATE of some 100 Australian travel agents have spent the past week exploring 22 regions of New Zealand as part of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Program.

The familiarisation, hosted by Tourism New Zealand and backed by Air New Zealand, saw 10 groups divide and conquer NZ’s north & south islands over a week, before concluding in Wellington for a day of group training with regional tourism organisations.

TNZ trade development mgr Australia Sandra Etter said travel agents remained the “most preferred way to book a holiday in Australia, so it’s important to ensure they are educated on New Zealand and all it has to offer”.

“Familiarisation trips like this one are an effective way to showcase New Zealand’s tourism offering to agents so they can create memorable holiday itineraries for their clients.”

One group explored the Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington region, with participant STA Travel’s regional sales manager Nicole Borg saying she found the experience valuable.

“Through this trip I have learnt about a part of New Zealand I previously knew nothing about.

“I was captivated by the hospitality and natural beauty of these regions and am excited to paint a picture of this for my clients and sell them similar journeys,” Borg remarked.