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Corporate travel to China is booming as more flights are added and high-value Chinese business travellers are encouraged to come to New Zealand.
Latest data from Corporate Traveller and FCM Travel, Flight Centre Travel Group’s corporate arm, shows a 106 per cent growth in corporate clients travelling to China for the first three months of 2024, compared to the same period last year.
As of a week ago when Sichuan Airlines restarted its New Zealand routes, there are now five Chinese airlines flying between China and Aotearoa, as well as Air New Zealand.
Collectively, there are 36 flights a week between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Airport, and China Southern Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to promote Auckland as a destination for Chinese business travellers. This includes conferences, trade exhibitions and business incentive travel.
Corporate Traveller New Zealand general manager Angie Forsyth says the memorandum could result in even more airline capacity to China.
“If the memorandum bolsters more demand, airlines may decide to add more routes between the two regions.
“As our largest trading partner, an increase in airline capacity between New Zealand and China is good news for many Kiwi businesses.
“This will likely open up further opportunities for Kiwis to take their business to China, and as a nation of over a billion people – the market potential is astronomical.”
Angie says the influence China has on the New Zealand economy cannot be underestimated.
“The New Zealand-China trade relationship is mutually beneficial and, in the past, has played a significant role in pulling New Zealand through challenging economic times.
“As New Zealand falls into a recession, a busy airbridge between both nations could play a significant role in improving economic conditions.”
