Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) is working to make it easier for Indian travellers to visit and experience New Zealand’s landscapes and culture through initiatives that remove traditional barriers, simplify booking processes, and offer new reasons to choose New Zealand as a year-round holiday destination.
A potential direct flight route between India and New Zealand could remove travel barriers and simplify longhaul journeys. At a tourism reception hosted by TNZ, prime minister Christopher Luxon witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Air India and Air New Zealand to explore direct connectivity, making New Zealand more accessible to Indian travellers.
TNZ is also reinforcing its commitment to increase Indian arrivals through strategic alliances and seasonal travel initiatives. It recently signed an MoU with Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand committing investment to a joint seasonal marketing campaign to build demand and drive off-peak visitation to New Zealand.
Additionally, joint venture agreements were signed with nine Indian travel partners to drive visitation through curated travel experiences tailored to Indian traveller preferences, with a focus on promoting New Zealand’s winter and spring seasons.
An integrated winter campaign was also launched, combining media content with promotional travel packages. The initiative aims to target Indian visitors through digital media placements and provide conversion opportunities via travel partners, showcasing New Zealand’s winter destinations, adventure sports, and luxury stays.
René de Monchy, chief executive of TNZ, said: “We are focused on enhancing these commercial partnerships and through improved connectivity and strategically targeted high-impact marketing campaigns, we are keen to convert this interest into bookings and visitation.
“With Indians typically travelling outbound during their key holiday periods that align perfectly with New Zealand’s traditionally quieter seasons, we see a significant opportunity for medium and long-term growth as a preferred, premier holiday destination for Indian visitors all-year round.”
