Kiwi Link events support industry and travel trade to build connections and capability to promote destination New Zealand in key visitor markets. 

Kiwi Link India was held in Goa, bringing together 49 organisations from New Zealand including tourism businesses, Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand, with 75 buyers from across India. 

Visitor arrivals from India reached 83,000 in the year to May 2026, a 2.5% increase against 2025, and 125% of 2019 arrivals. Holiday travel remains significant at 33% of total arrivals, and these are spread throughout the year, supporting year-round demand. 

Engagement with the travel trade in this market is vital, as 96% of those considering a holiday to New Zealand would prefer to book through an agent, and the market is highly fragmented due to the country’s vast and complex market, says Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy. 

“India’s outbound tourism industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as rising disposable incomes, improved connectivity, and a burgeoning middle class. As one of the fastest-growing outbound tourist markets globally, India is expected to continue its rapid expansion. 

“Key motivators for Indian visitors to New Zealand include experiencing stunning landscapes, feeling relaxed and refreshed, and enjoying local food and beverages—making Tourism New Zealand’s focus on themes such as food and beverage and active escapes particularly relevant for this market,” he said. 

The following week, Kiwi Link Southeast Asia was held in Bangkok. 

The target markets for Kiwi Link Southeast Asia were Singapore and emerging markets Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia—to sustain a strong presence in the former, and strengthen New Zealand’s presence in the latter markets. 

Some 46 travel trade buyers engaged with 46 organisations from the New Zealand tourism industry over two days of appointments. 

“There is an opportunity to grow year-round arrivals from all four markets, as there’s a strong preference for off-peak travel, that together will play an important role in returning visitor arrivals to 3.9m by the end of 2026, and growing tourism value to $14.4b by June 2027,” says Mr de Monchy. 

“These markets are supported by significant direct connectivity from Singapore and daily connections from Malaysia to New Zealand—Asia is an important market for New Zealand and it’s fantastic to see a strong presence from the New Zealand tourism sector at Kiwi Link Southeast Asia and India in 2026,” he concluded.