Currently, 18.3 million potential travellers across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are actively considering a visit to New Zealand, with 43% ranking New Zealand as their top destination choice. Further, Tourism New Zealand is also doubling down on its commitment to boost Indian arrivals through a combination of strategic alliances and seasonal travel initiatives.
A series of initiatives have been announced by Tourism New Zealand to remove traditional barriers, streamline booking processes and create compelling new reasons for Indian visitors to choose New Zealand as their premier holiday destination all year round.
One exciting development is a potential direct flight route between India and New Zealand, a breakthrough that would significantly remove travel barriers and streamline long-haul journeys.
At a tourism reception hosted by Tourism New Zealand, Christoper Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, witnessed the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Air India and Air New Zealand to explore the potential for direct connectivity, which would make New Zealand more accessible than ever for Indian travellers.
The MoU includes the establishment of a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, conferring travellers more choice and convenient access between the two countries. Customers will now be able to travel from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
Speaking about the MoU, Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Air India, said, “We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.”
Indian visitor market:
New Zealand India is a key emerging market for New Zealand tourism, offering substantial growth opportunities. Currently, 18.3 million potential travellers across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are actively considering a visit to New Zealand, with 43% ranking New Zealand as their top destination choice. Encouraging tourism during the off-peak season aligns well with Indian travel patterns. In 2023, more than 72% of Indian holiday visitors to New Zealand arrived during off-peak months, demonstrating the potential to further develop this trend.
Speaking during the event, René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand said that India is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing markets, with holiday visitor numbers experiencing double digit growth, and huge potential to keep growing.
“The travel trade has been integral in shaping holiday visitor flows and building desire for New Zealand as a premium destination for discerning travellers. 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.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, the second largest export earner behind only agriculture. 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.”
Joint venture agreements signed with Indian travel partners; marketing campaigns announced:
Additionally, Tourism New Zealand is also doubling down on its commitment to boost Indian arrivals through a combination of strategic alliances and seasonal travel initiatives. Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand signed an MoU committing investment to a joint seasonal marketing campaign to build demand and drive off-peak visitation to New Zealand. This joint investment underscores the shared ambition to strengthen New Zealand’s position as a preferred destination for Indian visitors, specifically during the autumn, winter and spring seasons.
Recognising the valuable role played by the travel trade industry, joint venture (JV) agreements were also signed with nine Indian travel partners. These collaborations will drive visitation via curated travel experiences specifically designed to meet Indian traveller preferences, with particular focus on promoting New Zealand’s winter and spring seasons.
An exclusive integrated winter campaign was also announced, combining compelling media content with promotional travel packages. This initiative will inspire Indian visitors through strategic digital media placements while offering immediate conversion opportunities through travel partners featuring New Zealand as a winter destination.