ITC Industry News Bulletin #27
TOP STORIES
Air New Zealand to fly direct to Vietnam
In case you missed the exciting announcement late last week, Air New Zealand is set to start flying direct to Vietnam. The airline is launching a seasonal service between Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City from June to October next year. Flying three days a week, the flight time will be approximately 11 hours.
Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon says the new service “provides the ideal gateway” for Kiwis to experience Vietnam’s myriad attractions.
“Vietnam is an increasingly popular leisure destination with the number of Kiwis visiting the country up about 20 percent in the past year,” Mr Luxon said in a statement.
“It’s a holiday spot that has huge appeal and we’re confident that by offering a direct service even more Kiwis will be keen to explore it.”
Mr Luxon added that the direct flight will also make it easier for Vietnamese travellers to visit New Zealand.
New Zealand ahead in battle to be the world’s best country
Voting for this year’s Telegraph Travel awards opened on November 10 and New Zealand is already in the lead. Could we be on track to securing the title of ‘World’s Best Country’ for the fourth year in a row?
“As if being the best in the world at rugby isn’t enough” – The Telegraph.
The nine other countries in the top ten are: the Maldives, South Africa, Namibia, Japan, Australia, Burma, Tanzania, Botswana and Mauritius.
New Zealand has held the title since 2012. The last country to win before Aotearoa was the United States in 2011. However, it’s early days yet – voting closes on February 14.
IN BRIEF
Air New Zealand and Flight Centre sign strategic partnership agreement
The Flight Centre Travel Group and Air New Zealand have entered into a formal partnership to develop sales opportunities and drive growth. The two organisations signed a three year agreement in Brisbane earlier this week. Read more.
More resources for visiting drivers
AA recently launched a new road safety resource called the AA Visiting Drivers Programme. “This new tool will add to the collection of resources available to prepare visitors for New Zealand driving conditions,” says Tourism Industry Association chief executive Chris Roberts. Read more.
Two million members for Air New Zealand’s Airpoints Programme
Yesterday (November 18th), the two millionth member joined Air New Zealand’s Airpoints Programme. Head of Customer Loyalty Mark Street says this milestone rounds off a great year for the airline. “This past year has been very exciting for us with a dozen new retail, banking and travel partners such as Audi, Westpac and Bayleys joining the Airponts family,” he said. Read more.
Fiji Airways adds third direct flight to Suva
Starting April next year Fiji Airways will run a third Auckland-Suva service. This will open up new opportunities for holidaymakers, business travellers and Fijian ex-pats to travel between the two countries. Read more.
Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Airport strengthen ties
Auckland Airport and Tourism New Zealand are working closely together “to grow the number of New Zealand visitors from key overseas markets”, says Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood. The two organisations signed a new MOU earlier this week. Read more.
More food and drink factory tours could lift tourism industry
An exchange student at Lincoln University believes tours of food and drink factories could be a lucrative tourism opportunity. Some manufacturers, such as Pic’s Peanut Butter in Nelson, are already running short tours to great success. Read more.
Posted in News | Tagged Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, Flight Centre, Telegraph Travel Awards, TIA, Tourism New Zealand | Leave a reply