NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development have recently signed a first-ever official tourism agreement between the two cities.
The new two-year partnership will enable ATEED and NYC & Company to promote their respective destinations and focus on attracting visitation through an economical and collaborative exchange and includes reciprocal marketing and promotion over two years.
The new tourism partnership between New York City and Auckland comes as Air New Zealand prepares to launch a new non-stop service between Auckland and New York City, beginning in October 2020.
The agreement was formalised on February 18 at an industry ceremony at ≈årƒÅkei Marae in Auckland, New Zealand, with Associate Minister Hon. Peeni Henare, Auckland’s Hon. Mayor Phil Goff, ATEED chief executive Nick Hill, NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon.
From the five boroughs of New York City to the four corners of TƒÅmaki Makaurau Auckland, this agreement will encourage each destinations’ communities to connect through storytelling, ideas, business opportunities, and contacts.
It will create opportunities to leverage and develop positive economic, environmental and social outcomes within the respective destination and further afield, particularly benefiting the local accommodation sector and tourism operators.
“It is gratifying to announce our newest city-to-city tourism partnership with Auckland, marking our first formal collaboration with a destination in the South Pacific," says Fred.
"Auckland’s strong commitment to sustainability, arts and culture and culinary match New York City’s same focus. With the launch of Air New Zealand’s new non-stop service between Auckland and New York City commencing this Fall, there could be no better time for our cities to strategically align."
The partnership also demonstrates the respective destinations’ commitment to leading global change around economic, environmental and social sustainability, with a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism.
ATEED CE Nick Hill says it is fantastic to partner with NYC & Company, expanding Auckland’s presence in a major international city which is leading global conversations in its commitment to sustainability and how to approach tourism responsibly.
“Like New York, Auckland is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and this commitment will ensure that the growth in visitor numbers enriches our region beyond the economic benefit, helping us protect and improve our environment, our unique identity and cultural heritage, and quality of life,” he says.
“This partnership reflects the underlying principles of kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga within the Destination AKL 2025 strategy as we work collaboratively and with common purpose to ensure we are actively caring for our region, people and environment.
“Auckland’s priorities involve focusing on visitor-facing facilities for waste and reduction, visitor education on how to travel responsibly and safely and share best practices around carbon reduction.”
Air New Zealand chief strategy, network and alliances officer Nick Judd says the airline is excited to work with ATEED and NYC & Company on a shared framework for sustainable tourism development.
“Our non-stop flight will cut travel time by around three hours, putting New Zealand in easy reach of New York and the Eastern Seaboard," Nick says.
"This is a fantastic tourism opportunity and we’re looking forward to playing our part to develop sustainable initiatives which deliver an outstanding visitor experience, while taking care of communities and the environment.”
