23 June 2009
Six travel sellers from Korea arrived in New Zealand in April
2009 to famil fully independent traveller (FIT) products in
Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo.
The aim of the famil was to update travel agents on products so
they can further develop FIT itineraries for young travellers,
families and honeymooners.
The group first took the Fullers ferry to Waiheke Island, a
picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive
groves just half an hour from Auckland in the Hauraki Gulf. They
were taken on a tour by Ananada Tours and lunched at Te Whau
Vineyard. Everyone commented on what a great place it would be for
honeymooners.
Leisure Time Tours provided transportation and commentary for the
remainder of the famil. The group departed Auckland for the
Waikato, where they experienced the excitement and enchantment of
Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours, before stopping at the Bay of
Plenty beach resort of Mt Maunganui.
Bay of Plenty attractions included Kiwi 360, the home of
Kiwifruit, where visitors climb aboard a Kiwicart for a tour
through lush orchards and the Horticultural Theme Park, then
Comvita, a unique health centre.
The group then enjoyed Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, voted as one of
the top 10 spas of the world in 2009 by Conde Naste Magazine.
Adrenalin rushes followed with a rafting trip on the Kaituna River
with Raftabout, then more adventure activities at Agroventures.
Agroventures has the world's only Shweeb, a human monorail ride, a
Swoop which is a 40m swing, and Freefall Xtreme, a wind tunnel that
stimulates skydiving. The evening was spent at Te Puia's new Maori
cultural evening experience.
In Taupo, the group experienced trout fishing on Lake Taupo with
Chris Jolly Adventures, a lunch of prawns at Huka Prawn Park and
the famous Huka Falls Jet.
Heading back to Auckland, the group experienced the spectacular
Waitomo Caves with subterranean waterfalls, spectacular glowworm
light displays, swirling lost rivers and awe-inspiring rock
formations which were created millions of years ago.
The group were particularly interested in the i-SITE network
which has over 80 centres nationwide, and the information for the
young traveller. They inspected backpacker accommodation including
X Base and YHA after the itinerary. They experienced new
destinations and products which will be reflected in their new FIT
products.
They loved the beautiful scenery, cultural performances and
extreme activities. Here is some feedback from the group:
"I've learned more about NZ from this famil and I have a
confidence to sell NZ."
"It was a good chance to experience various activities which I
can recommend to my customers. I've learned more about NZ
destination and products and now I can sell NZ products more."
This is the first time to visit New Zealand for me. I've got
information through books, internet and some collateral so far but
now I have a confidence to sell New Zealand by my experience."
Korean Travel Agent