ITC Industry News Bulletin #79
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, Lake Tekapo is the country’s most famous Instagram location, Air NZ creates a viral video sensation, and much more.
TOP STORIES
‘Summer Wonderland’ turns Christmas classic into NZ ad
Air New Zealand this week released a video to celebrate the upcoming Kiwi Christmas. It featured international star Ronan Keating, as well as local actor Julian Dennison of ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’, and was viewed more than 3.6 million times within 24 hours.
The video opens with Keating singing the Christmas classic ‘Winter Wonderland’, with Julian cutting in to make regular edits to better reflect the reality of a Christmas in New Zealand. For example, instead of ‘snow is glistening’, Julian suggests ‘your bro is glistening’.
The song perfectly highlights the silliness and fun of a hot day spent outdoors or at the beach, rather than the North American version of snow and fireplaces.
Lake Tekapo is NZ’s Instagram spot
To celebrate 2016, Tourism New Zealand has taken a look at the country’s most tagged places on photo sharing social platform Instagram. Taking the leap from sixth place last year, Lake Tekapo has taken out the number one spot.
With azure blue waters, clear skies, rugged snow-capped mountains (including a view of Mt Cook) and the picturesque Church of the Good Sheppard, it’s no surprise that this photography mecca has won first place. It was followed by Auckland’s Queen Street, Takapuna Beach and the Sky Tower in second, third and fourth places respectively.
“The photography skills of visitors and New Zealanders on Instagram are quite remarkable – although they do have some pretty good landscapes and backdrops to work with!” said Tourism New Zealand marketing director Andrew Fraser.
IN BRIEF
New Zealand impresses Amway scouts
Amway China representatives have recently visited New Zealand to scout out travel opportunities for their 10,000 top sellers – and left extremely impressed with the options. The Amway business is set to bring in an estimated $50 million to the local economy when the group visits in 2018. Read more
The annual Tarawera endurance runs are a popular New Zealand fitness attraction, and its director has said that such events are on the rise. A group of US visitors are even adding beer into the equation by taking part in big events and following them up with an alcoholic beverage. Read more
Kaikoura tourism continues to receive bookings
Kaikoura’s tourism market has undoubtedly taken a blow from the recent earthquakes, but industry insiders are hopeful after seeing bookings still coming through. The new ‘Hope Springs’ geothermal attraction is helping bring in new visitors, while others are coming to show their support. Read more
Hotels splashing out to meet demand
Visiting guests are demanding more little luxuries than ever, so some of New Zealand’s most exclusive hotels are spending big to make it happen. Flower-filled suites and champagne baths are just a couple of examples that accommodation providers such as Wellington’s Sofitel are having to create. Read more
Northland pilots new landmark-based attractions
A new program called Landmarks Whenua Tohungais has launched in Northland, where it is promoting nine historically and culturally important landmarks. The web of attractions is set to slowly roll out throughout the rest of the country to show visitors a new side to New Zealand. Read more
Wooing Tree Vineyard plans ‘vineyard village’
Renowned Central Otago vineyard Wooing Tree has announced plans to turn part of its 26-hectare estate into a vineyard village. The new area will be home to retail outlets, residential accommodation, and tourist attractions. Read more
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