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A line-up of leading global tourism brands has signed on to sponsor and exhibit at The Auckland Travel Show, set to take place May 9-10 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), that only further boosts the demand in Kiwi travel.
Despite current global instability, outbound travel demand from New Zealand is strong, with international tourism operators doubling down on the market and travellers rethinking how and where they explore.
Rob Elliott, founder, Lemongrass Productions says “I think especially post-COVID travel, demand for outbound travel, at least from outbound travel out of Auckland has been very strong.”
He says that momentum has translated into steady bookings and growing interest in premium experiences. “They (outbound operators) can recognise that Kiwis are big travellers, they are looking for a premium travel product. And if you can deliver on that product, you’ll continue to see demand rise.”
Asia-Pacific destinations like Sri Lanka, Samoa and Tahiti and major travel brands like Hello World and Malaysia Airlines are responding accordingly, with proximity, perceived safety, and evolving flight routes shaping decisions.
“I think part of it is proximity. The Pacific Islands do appear a safe bet,” says Rob.
He added that even with current geopolitical tensions, demand isn’t dropping off- just shifting. “People are still looking to book their holidays. They’re just having to select maybe different routes to what they had thought of prior.”
For travellers navigating the current climate, Rob said expert advice is more important than ever. “I would be 100% wanting to get in and actually talk to people who really know the industry and know what’s going on.”
That shift echoes a wider post-COVID mindset, where travel is no longer taken for granted.
“These desires, they don’t go away… you’re better off acting on them now than you are letting them become a regret later,” he says.
Looking ahead, Rob expects the industry to remain resilient, even as conditions fluctuate.
“This industry is remarkably resilient, it really is and there’s still, a plethora of options available for people who want to get out and live life and explore the world and have those experiences.” he says.
