NZ set to exceed Aussie expectations

Tourism New Zealand, Air NZ and Virgin Australia have teamed up to host the biggest ever mega fam across the ditch.

400 of the “best” travel agents in Australia converged in Auckland for a training day ahead of travelling on one of 23 itineraries devised to showcase NZ’s finest.

The national airline, Air NZ turns 75 years this year and has plenty to celebrate according to CEO Christopher Luxon who addressed the crowd at the Langham Auckland yesterday.

“We recently reported an outstanding set of results giving us the cash to reinvest back into the business and company,” Luxon said, adding that NZ$2.6 billion would be invested into new aircraft on top of the NZ$1 billion spent in 2014 bringing its premium economy class to flights across the Tasman.

Having recently opened the new NZ$15 million lounge in Sydney, Luxon said the company is investing a total NZ$100 million in new lounges, setting a high standard for customers coinciding with a new Auckland lounge to open in the new few weeks.

“Together [with Virgin] we have a great lounge network and we think it’s a good investment. Will continue for the next 18-24 months,” Luxon said.

There is also a “truckload” of innovation coming according to Luxon, who said the use of technology would “remove a lot of the pain points for customers.”

Luxon highlighted a few including a coffee app, Apple app, biometric scanning at airports, electronic baggage tags and even biometric bracelets for unaccompanied minors.

Reiterating that Australia continues to be an important market for the airline with 1.2 million Kiwis visiting and 1.1 million Aussies crossing the ditch, Luxon said there was still misconception as to what New Zealand has to offer.

“Research we have done in Australia is that NZ isn’t on the top of their list. They [Aussies] see it as wet, boring and for old people,” Luxon said.

“There is a lot for Australians to do, and that’s what we want you to see and feel over the next few days,” Luxon told agents.

“That’s the challenge and trigger as a barrier that we have to overcome – to excite your customers as to what’s here and see it for real.”

With around 5 million Aussies putting NZ on their bucket list, just 1 million travelled to its shores last year.

“An airline that represents 4 million people shouldn’t exist, we feel a great responsibility to represent New Zealand and we’re also very proud of our partners,” Luxon said.

Check out some of the snaps from the fun famil so far:

Haka Legend performance

Air New Zealand lunchtime Masterclass. Neil Brazier, Head Chef at Peter Gordon’s restaurant Sugar Club

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia Alliance Training

L to R: Tourism New Zealand – Rene de Monchy Director Trade, PR & Major Events, Kevin Bowler CEO, Tony Saunders GM Australia, Air New Zealand – Leanne Geraghty GM Australia, Virgin Australia with Crew & James Tobin