Tourism New Zealand's adding some additional "fire power" to its
marketing team, with the addition of a new General Manager of
Marketing Communications, Justin Watson.
With over a decade's experience in the marketing field, Justin
comes to Tourism New Zealand from McDonald's Restaurants New
Zealand where he was Director of Marketing.
Though he has previously worked on some of New Zealand's most
loved brands while at DB Breweries and Coca-Cola, Justin Watson
sees his new role as a once in a lifetime opportunity to promote on
of New Zealand's biggest brands, destination New Zealand.
As GM Marketing Communications, Justin will focus on developing
Tourism New Zealand's marketing strategy, specifically its
international campaigns across Tourism New Zealand's key
markets.
Asked about what he thinks of the '100% Pure New Zealand'
campaign, Justin says he can see a big opportunity in being
targeted; specifically, knowing who we want to target "and going
for them".
His priority will be to immerse himself in understanding Tourism
New Zealand's markets and potential visitors and determining how
New Zealand can deliver what our target market wants.
"Digital marketing, especially web and social media, presents
huge opportunities to really target and connect with potential
visitors in relevant and credible environments."
He considers the '100% Pure New Zealand' campaign a big, bold
statement that has enabled New Zealand to really punch above its
weight and stand out on the world stage.
Crediting a US road trip and drinking mojitos in Cuba as a few
of his best international holiday experiences, he rates his New
Zealand top experiences to include his trips to Waiheke Island,
Wanaka and the Coromandel.
Justin, who will be based in Auckland, begins at Tourism New
Zealand on 6 September.
And if you're wondering, after trying the entire menu and
countless new products, Justin's favourite McDonalds treat is the
much loved Filet-o-fish.