New Zealand showcased to world’s top international media

New Zealand showcased to world’s top international media

The crème de la crème of international travel editors from North America, including the likes of the editor of National Geographic Traveller are coming to Auckland in a rare media coup for the tourism industry.

The group of 14 editors and 32 freelance writers will attend the 2014 Travel Classics Writers’ Conference 1-4 May 2014 on Auckland’s waterfront.

The editors represent some of the world’s top premium publications including Travel + Leisure, Departures, Robb Report and Food and Wine, strongly complementing Tourism New Zealand’s (TNZ) focus in the premium sector.

TNZ, in partnership with ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development) and Air New Zealand, won the right to host the conference last year.

TNZ’s Director of Trade, PR and Major Events Justin Watson says, “To have this many top journalists of such a high calibre here in the country to experience 100% Pure New Zealand for themselves is a huge win.”

“These are the types of publications it is hard to secure editorial in, they reach millions of potential travellers, so we have been working to maximise the opportunity - offering delegates the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s tourism offering around the conference.”

A welcome function, hosted by TNZ, will be held at the Sugar Club in Auckland’s Sky City tomorrow tonight which will include a welcome and culinary experience from acclaimed New Zealand Chef Peter Gordon.

The four-day conference will be held in Auckland's five star luxury Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel on the Viaduct Harbour. In their down time, delegates will have the opportunity to get out and explore a range of activities across the wider Auckland region.

ATEED Manager Tourism Jason Hill says this is a golden opportunity to surprise these high calibre writers with how much Auckland has changed in the last few years.

“The conference is taking place on our urban designed waterfront and the farewell lunch is on Waiheke Island so we are really showcasing Auckland’s diversity,” says Jason.

“We are sure they will be inspired to put pen to paper and tell the lucrative North American market Auckland’s story as a global city and natural wonder."

The delegation will also have the opportunity to experience tourism attractions and activities around New Zealand in pre and post-conference famils organised by TNZ and Regional Tourism Organisations.

Itineraries range from a journey into Maori Culture in Rotorua, a winery tour in the Hawkes Bay, through to a luxury alpine experience in Queenstown - with each itinerary aiming to showcase the best of each region.

“We have seen an incredible uptake - with 97 per cent of the delegation choosing to extend their stay and experience more of New Zealand,” says Justin.

"As we know from hosting similar events, these experiences are a great motivator to inspire journalists and will result in many positive stories that appeal to potential travellers in North America.”

Air New Zealand General Manager Americas, UK and Europe Chris Myers says, “We continue to see growth in the volume of passengers visiting from North America and have a number of exciting changes coming up in the North American market including new 777-300 aircraft on our Auckland-San Francisco route and soon to be refurbished 777-200 aircraft on our Auckland–Vancouver route, which will see our Skycouch product offered on all North American services.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase New Zealand to some of North America’s top-tier travel, food, wine and lifestyle media, from the moment they step onboard our aircraft.”

Justin says, “Travel Classics also provides us the opportunity to build strong relationships with both the editors and writers which can lead to ongoing editorial coverage of New Zealand.”

"North America is a key visitor market for us and we have been experiencing significant growth out of the market, with visitor arrivals up 9.5 per cent four of the United States for the year ending March 2014 – a trend we want to see continue.”

ENDS

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