Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra will visit Rotorua next month. Photo/Supplied
A Bollywood star will visit Rotorua next month as part of a drive to get more Indian tourists to the country.
Sidharth Malhotra, Tourism New Zealand's hugely popular tourism ambassador to India, is returning to New Zealand to experience more of the country and people.
Sidharth's return visit to New Zealand was announced by Prime Minister John Key who is currently visiting India to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
When the star visited New Zealand last year and shared his experiences with Indians back home it resulted in a massive increase in the number of Indians more likely to visit New Zealand for a holiday.
Tourism New Zealand's Director of Trade, PR and Major Events René de Monchy said he was delighted about Sidharth's upcoming visit.
"India is a very important emerging market for New Zealand and Sidharth has proved to be the perfect ambassador who can help us raise the profile of New Zealand as a holiday destination in India.
"His genuine enjoyment during his time here last year generated huge interest in India and we have an equally stunning itinerary of experiences lined up for him this year. Next month's visit is about building on his relationship with New Zealand with Sidharth visiting more regions and meeting more New Zealanders who add to the authentic experience of a Kiwi holiday," he said.
Sidharth will visit New Zealand from November 10-20 and will travel to Rotorua as well as Auckland, Waikato, and Canterbury.
Sidharth said when he visited New Zealand last year the experience stayed with him.
"Surrounded by such incredible natural beauty, coupled with exhilarating experiences - it makes for the perfect escape into a different world altogether. I'm really looking forward to another amazing getaway soon."
During his eight-day visit here last year, 2.8 million people engaged with Sidharth via social media, including 57,000 people engaging with each of his Facebook posts.
Figures released last week showed an impressive 23.8 percent increase in holiday arrivals in the year to September, with 25,168 Indians visiting New Zealand.