Aussie invasion as agents tour city

A group of Australian travel agents visited sites around the city, including the museum, as part of a three-day trip.

About 100 Australian travel agents are experiencing Rotorua's hottest spots as part of a three-day visit to the city.

It is part of a showcase of the Central North Island, Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan said.

"Destination Rotorua teamed up with regional partners Destination Great Lake Taupo, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Hamilton Waikato Tourism to deliver an interactive and engaging session to the groups of agents with the key takeaway message being the unique touring routes and itinerary options through the Central North Island," Mr Nathan said.

Rotorua's visitor attractions, such as geothermal, as well as cultural experiences and mountain biking trails were being emphasised to the agents, who arrived yesterday and leave tomorrow.

"Our mountain-biking festivals and Redwoods trails were of particularly high interest and seen as something new and exciting to promote.

"The variety of activities the famil attendees will experience include Te Puia, Agrodome, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua Duck Tours, Tamaki Maori Village and Rainbow Springs."

Mr Nathan said Destination Rotorua had hosted more than 400 of Australia's top-performing travel agents in Auckland.

"The Destination Rotorua team trained travel agents during the All Stars Mega Famil welcome function and training event. Agents who attended this prestigious famil were pre-selected by Tourism NZ for their top sales performance and ability to sell New Zealand.

"Australia is a massive market for us and the team really have pulled out a stellar effort to stand out and show innovation in the training engagement with the 400 agents."

Tourism New Zealand's trade director, PR and major events head, Rene de Monchy, said having 400 agents in the country at one time meant the group would be able to visit more regions than on similar visits.

"Visiting during September will help agents sell off-peak travel on their return, in turn growing shoulder-season travel to New Zealand and easing the peak-season load."

Australians in town
•100 Australian travel agents visiting the city in order to promote Rotorua to Australians.
•Destination Rotorua hosted 400 Australian travel agents to promote the city.
•Australian tourist expenditure in Rotorua increased by 9 per cent last year, or $5 million, growing from $53 million to $58 million

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