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Tourism New Zealand’s trade event Kiwi Link India returns after five years with a 40-member delegation reconnecting with close to 200 Indian travel sellers in Mumbai.
“India is an incredibly important market for New Zealand, that represents growth and opportunity,” says Tourism New Zealand chief executive René de Monchy, who attended the event.
“With one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in the world, a vibrant economy, and consumers who have an increasing interest in destination New Zealand, India is an attractive opportunity.”
There are more than 18 million people in India who are seriously considering a visit to New Zealand, with more than 40 per cent of those people having New Zealand at the top of their bucket list.
More than 70 per cent of holiday visitors from India arrived during New Zealand’s off-peak seasons (March- November) in 2023.
“Visitors from India will support our new focus on growing year-round visitation. Our off-peak seasons align well with key travel periods in India including Diwali in October-November and the Indian summer break between April and June.”
Indian visitors are drawn to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, adventure activities, unique cultural experiences and warm and friendly people. These are all experiences that can be enjoyed year-round.
The New Zealand delegation to Kiwi Link included a mix of Regional Tourism Organisations, hotels, attractions, airports, airlines and Immigration New Zealand. The event includes a series of 1:1 meetings and training sessions where New Zealand tourism industry representatives share the latest destination New Zealand information with a focus on off-peak experiences.
“More than 85 per cent of all holiday arrivals from India book through a travel agent, so working closely with the travel trade in India is an integral part of our strategy. It’s important we run events like Kiwi Link India to educate travel sellers on what New Zealand has to offer across all our seasons,” says René.
