| Publication Name |
The Cairns Post |
| Date |
28 Nov 2007 |
| Article Title |
More Kiwis take flight |
| Author |
David Sexton |
| Synopsis |
Article on new Zealand Megafamil |
Full Text
Kiwis are flocking to the tropics for a taste of sunshine with about 37,500 visitng the Tropical North from across the Tasman in the year to June 2007.
A delegation of 31 New Zealand travel agents are visiting Cairns this week, keen to see the Reef, rainforest and outback first hand.
The agents came from across New Zealand, including major cities Auckland and Christchurch. Tourism Queensland acting marketing manager for New Zealand Sam Cameron said the agents were visiting Cairns, the Reef, Port Douglas, Palm Cove, Cape Tribulation and Undara, marketed as the accessible outback.
They are also meeting 34 local tourism operators. "We get 450,000 New Zealanders into Queensland each year and we want to get more into the tropical north," Ms Cameron said.
Ms Cameron said they were marketing the tropics as an alternative to the South Pacific, with a focus on "fly and flop" (rest and relaxation) tourists.
tour coorodinator for Christchurch company Pionair Kelly Hitchins said Cairns was ideal for Kiwis looking for a break from their chilly winter. "It's different climate and the weather have a lot of appeal," she said. Ms Hitchins was one of several agents to viist the wildlife dome at Sofitel Reef Hotel Casino.
The group returns to New Zealand this week.
