ITC Industry News Bulletin #80
In this week’s airline, travel and tourism news, New Zealand celebrates 15 years as Middle Earth, Air New Zealand releases a new safety video, and much more.
TOP STORIES
New Zealand celebrates 15 years as Middle Earth
In 2001, Peter Jackson launched the first Lord of the Rings film and began a journey that turned the country into a real-life Middle Earth. Now, 15 years later, Tourism New Zealand is celebrating what turned out to be a massive boon for the industry.
The three Lord of the Rings films, as well as The Hobbit prequel trilogy, were filmed throughout the country. Filming locations and Matamata’s Hobbiton recreation are now lasting attractions for visiting tourists and locals alike.
Alongside a short video, the company has created a quiz that will help determine which character you might be, as well as handy guides on what to pack for a trip to Middle Earth depending on the outcome.
Air New Zealand releases latest safety video
Air New Zealand is famous for its creative and light-hearted approach to the usually dull safety videos that you see when you board a plane. The airline has just released its latest clip, and it features the best of the Bay of Islands and Hokianga in the North Island.
Throughout the video, many of New Zealand’s most famous faces and iconic destinations tell the story of a classic Kiwi summer road trip, all the while explaining the safety features of the plane.
International model and star Rachel Hunter is one of the biggest names in the clip, and she talked about the filming experience on the day.
“Air New Zealand’s safety videos are well known internationally and always have a great storyline. One of my favourite moments in this edition is the closing scene where LadyHawke and her band throw a sunset gig for locals at the Opononi Hotel.”
IN BRIEF
Wellington wins bid for LGBTIQ world conference
Wellington has just won a bid that will see it host the biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer event on the planet in 2018. The conference is set to bring roughly 600 delegates to the city. Read more
$350,000 tourism package for Hurunui District
A cash injection of $350,000 has been announced for the Hurunui District and Hanmer Springs to help these areas recover after the recent earthquake. While neither area greatly suffered in terms of structural damage, both have seen a downturn in visitor numbers, and the fund may help boost them back up. Read more
Night flights to boost Queenstown’s ski season
There will be an additional 38 flights per week running between Queenstown and Australia once the ski season kicks off next year, thanks to a partnership between Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia. These flights will occur at night over weekends to allow as many travellers as possible the time to make the trip. Read more
Adventure park announces opening date
Christchurch’s much-anticipated adventure park has announced that it will be opening on December 21 just in time for Christmas. The park will offer downhill mountain biking, a zipline, and a café and bar. Read more
2,000 US travel agents study up on NZ
The ‘Best of New Zealand’ roadshow has just finished, and it managed to include 48 training sessions across 17 US cities. Each of the events aimed to show US travel agents the best of NZ, and therefore encourage them to sell more trips to the country. Read more
John Key opens new Christchurch visitor centre
In John Key’s last official engagement as Prime Minister, he opened Christchurch’s new visitor centre in the restored arts centre. The visitors’ centre has been located in the Botanic Gardens temporarily for the past five years, but its move back to the city is another step towards Christchurch’s earthquake recovery. Read more
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