Rotorua's Agroventures launches Swoop in India (+video)

It was a double celebration for two of Rotorua's top tourist destinations yesterday with Prime Minister John Key joining the party.

Mr Key was on site to help announce a major tourism development in India for the team at Agroventures and to celebrate the 10 millionth visitor to Rotorua tourism icon the Agrodome.

Agroventures Adventure Park managing director Peter Cossey announced the launch of its first international expansion, with the opening of its Swoop and bungy attractions at a major adventure park in Mumbai, India.

Mr Key unveiled a plaque in honour of the occasion.

"This is taking New Zealand exports to a different dimension. This kind of product will also encourage people to come to New Zealand," he said.

Mr Cossey said the group was prompted to explore potential international expansion opportunities by the overwhelmingly positive feedback the adventure park received every day.

The park features the Agrojet jetboat, Shweeb human-powered monorail, Freefall Extreme wind tunnel, Swoop sky-swing and the Rotorua bungy.

Agroventure's New Zealand staff have been heavily involved in the design, construction and development of the Swoop and bungy at Della Adventure Park in Mumbai.

"Our attractions are synonymous with New Zealand's leading reputation as an adventure tourism destination.

"They are all innovative and very specific to New Zealand and together provide a one-stop shop for thrill-seekers of all ages.

"Asia represents an incredible market for New Zealand due to proximity, population, spending power and rapidly westernised ways. In addition, senior members of our team have been advising on adventure tourism aspects in India and Singapore for a couple of years now," Mr Cossey said.

Mr Key also visited the Agrodome after it just passed a major milestone entertaining more than 10 million customers since opening its doors in September 1971.

Agrodome general manager Grant Kilby and director Warren Harford said they were planning a major event to celebrate.

Mr Key unveiled the milestone on-stage at the Agrodome Farm Show to the delight of a packed audience. Mr Kilby said the recent joint venture with Ngai Tahu Tourism had been justified as a very sound purchase with the Agrodome bucking all trends and growing through challenging economic times.

"We have been delighted with the professionalism and support Ngai Tahu Tourism have given us and we now are looking forward to introducing some new and exciting products."