Tourism New Zealand's flagship trade event Kiwi Link was held in
Canada for the first time this year, and was the first
carbon-neutral Tourism New Zealand event.
The 2009 Kiwi Link, held earlier this month, was split between
Vancouver and Los Angeles and attracted 84 and 138 North American
travel agents respectively.
"The feedback from Canadian operators was exceptionally
positive," says Annie Dundas, Tourism New Zealand Regional Manager
for North America.
"Canadian travel sellers have a good general knowledge of New
Zealand and Kiwi Link added another dimension to this
knowledge."
A training 'webinar' for agents on the East Coast attracted a
further 90 agents.
Thirty-seven New Zealand tourism operators travelled to North
America for the event, which targeted retail and reservation agents
with training days, one-on-one appointments and networking
events.
Annie Dundas says that Kiwi Link is a very popular event and there
was a very positive response from agents and New Zealand-based
suppliers to the "greening" of Kiwi Link.
Jeff Adam from AAT Kings says that emphasising the green theme
to travel agents makes New Zealand stand out.
"It modernises the travel industry we live in and sets New
Zealand apart as a destination that is at the forefront of green
sustainable tourism," he said.
"By creating a green tradeshow it shows us the supplier and
agents that we can live, learn and sell within a green industry. No
one was affected, disadvantaged and hampered by going green."
Annie Dundas says feedback from Kiwi Link was excellent, with
operators finding it a very useful event. "They also really enjoy
the regional format of Kiwi Link, which gives them the opportunity
to get an in-depth update of the latest news and products from the
regions of New Zealand."
Despite a slow-down in visitor arrivals from North America
following the onset of the economic crisis, airfares to New Zealand
are at an all-time low (from US$650 return) and the low New Zealand
dollar is making New Zealand good value for North American
travellers.
Events like Kiwi Link and the launch of Tourism New Zealand's
'The New Zealand Life Back Promise' campaign will help keep New
Zealand's profile high in this important market - and help ensure
we continue to attract our share of the North Americans who are
still travelling.
Read more about
Canada in the Canada Market Guide.