This initiative aims to help travel professionals confidently promote New Zealand by providing first-hand insights: Kiwiway Vacations
To strengthen ties with the Indian travel trade and offer practical exposure to New Zealand’s tourism offerings, Kiwiway Vacations, in collaboration with its Indian representative Global Destinations and supported by New Zealand’s tourism trade partners, recently mounted a familiarisation tour for a select group of Indian travel agents.
In a press statement, Kiwiway Vacations says that the programme was designed to help agents gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand, going beyond textbook knowledge to offer personalised recommendations to clients. During the tour, the agents visited various destinations that highlighted New Zealand’s mix of culture, nature, and adventure.
Anna Black
“We are delighted to have hosted this familiarisation tour, giving Indian travel agents a comprehensive insight into New Zealand’s unique offerings. This is our first agents’ familiarisation after a long hiatus, but we are committed to making it a bi-annual event. There really is nothing like putting the theoretical knowledge into practical experience for these sellers, as we continue to welcome more visitors from this growing market,” says Anna Black, Executive Director, General Travel New Zealand.
The statement adds that the itinerary began in Auckland, where the agents explored the inner city and Auckland Harbour. They also visited Waiheke Island, which included local winery visits and ziplining. In Rotorua, they witnessed Māori culture, geothermal attractions and adventure activities.
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Kiwiway Vacations says that in Twizel, the surroundings served as a base for expeditions to Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, and the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, where the agents participated in stargazing.
According to the press statement, the participating agents were particularly engaged by the seamless experience New Zealand offered, combining adventure and comfort, with Indian victuals easily accessible across key cities. The country’s warm hospitality and accessibility were also noted as factors that would resonate with Indian travellers.
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Kiwiway Vacations says that this initiative aims to help travel professionals confidently promote New Zealand by providing first-hand insights, allowing them to better understand and meet client preferences.
Pruthvi Khetani
“This familiarisation tour was a fantastic opportunity for these travel agents to experience New Zealand first-hand, allowing them to craft extraordinary journeys for their clients. These agents have been actively selling New Zealand for years, but for all, this was their first visit. With India emerging as a key visitor market, initiatives like this help build strong partnerships and create personalised travel experiences that truly resonate with Indian travellers,” says Pruthvi Khetani, COO, Global Destinations.
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