Whakarewarewa Village sparks curiosity for Maori culture in India

Jane Cunliffe, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, North and East India and Whakarewarewa's sector marketing head India and Asia Vishal Sharma at the PHD Commerce Ambassadors meet. Photo/Supplied

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village has sponsored an international conference, putting Rotorua on people's bucket list.

The tourist attraction's sector marketing head for India and Asia, Vishal Sharma, said the trip wasn't just about promoting Whakarewarewa Village.

"We sponsored the event to represent New Zealand as a country, Rotorua as a destination and Whakarewarewa as a place to experience Maori arts and culture."

More than 300 people attended the PHD Commerce Ambassadors meet in New Delhi last week and Mr Sharma was there promoting New Zealand.

"We want to spark a curiosity for Maori culture around the world," he said.

"It was a great initiative for us to sponsor this event, it puts Whakarewarewa and Rotorua on the map."

Mr Sharma said people were "really keen and interested" in Maori culture.

"New Zealand is for sure on people's bucket lists, now it's about getting Rotorua on their radar," he said.

"I was telling people, that at the end of the day, I love Rotorua. If you're coming to New Zealand, don't miss it out."

Commissioners from countries all over the world attended the event, including Jane Cunliffe, New Zealand Trade Commissioner, North and East India.

"I was able to meet with the Indian organisation that facilitate conversations with Australia and New Zealand," Mr Sharma said.

"I made great contacts to spread our culture and tourism."

"We're trying to get multiple cultures to come together in our corner of the world."