New Zealand Deepens Outreach to Indian Travelers with Successful Five-City Roadshow Focused on Bespoke Tourism Experiences
New Zealand is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for Indian travelers seeking immersive, customizable journeys. This momentum was reaffirmed by the success of the General Travel New Zealand five-city roadshow, held from June 30 to July 4, 2025, across Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore.
Designed to capture India’s surging appetite for tailor-made travel, the roadshow drew strong participation from the Indian travel trade. Over 300 travel agents engaged directly with 16 leading tourism providers from New Zealand, spotlighting a variety of curated experiences through General Travel’s Kiwiway Vacations FIT packages. These fully independent travel packages are designed specifically for the Indian outbound market, offering flexible itineraries that cater to diverse preferences—from adventure and cultural immersion to luxury escapes.
This year’s event marked the largest-ever New Zealand tourism delegation to visit India, underscoring the country’s commitment to the region. The impressive lineup featured well-known tourism brands such as Skyline Enterprises, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Southern Discoveries, RealNZ, Polynesian Spa, Entrada Group, Transport World Invercargill, and Te Puia, among others. Accommodations were equally highlighted, with participation from Millennium Hotels, Sudima Hotels, Distinction Hotels, and Scenic Hotel Group.
Air connectivity was a crucial topic, with Air New Zealand representatives present to highlight seamless long-haul travel options for Indian tourists. Their presence emphasized the importance of accessible, high-quality service as part of the entire New Zealand experience.
Growing Demand for Personalized Travel from India
The roadshow arrives at a time when Indian outbound tourism is undergoing a major shift, driven by younger, experience-focused travelers and affluent families seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path journeys. India is now one of the fastest-growing source markets for long-haul travel, and New Zealand’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and premium hospitality are in high demand.
Feedback from Indian agents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing confidence in promoting New Zealand to a broader clientele. The B2B sessions not only expanded destination knowledge but also laid the foundation for new collaborations and customized travel itineraries.
Speaking about the success of the roadshow, representatives from General Travel New Zealand emphasized the strategic value of fostering strong, localized partnerships. “India is a critical market for us. By connecting directly with travel professionals, we ensure our offerings resonate with the real needs and aspirations of Indian tourists,” one official noted.
Global Destinations: Key to Localized Success
Playing a pivotal role in executing the roadshow was Global Destinations, General Travel’s exclusive representation agency in India. With deep roots in the Indian travel ecosystem, Global Destinations ensured smooth event coordination across the five cities. Their strategic insight helped tailor the sessions to suit each region’s travel preferences, which vary widely across India.
According to Global Destinations’ CEO, “This collaboration is not just about marketing—it’s about building long-term bridges between India and New Zealand’s tourism sectors. We’re already seeing strong leads and serious interest from Indian travel sellers.”
Why New Zealand Appeals to Indian Tourists
New Zealand’s tourism appeal lies in its diverse experiences that suit a broad demographic of Indian travelers:
- Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and glacier hiking.
- Cultural explorers are drawn to Maori heritage sites and culinary tours.
- Luxury travelers appreciate exclusive vineyard stays, high-end spas, and boutique lodges.
- Family vacationers and honeymooners favor safe, clean, and scenic environments with options for group tours and private experiences.
The Kiwiway FIT packages seamlessly combine these elements, offering fully customizable journeys with hand-picked excursions, multi-lingual guides, and Indian dining options when needed—ensuring comfort without compromising authenticity.
Outlook: A Promising Future for India–New Zealand Travel
The success of the roadshow sends a strong message: New Zealand is serious about expanding its share of India’s outbound travel market. With a rising middle class and growing demand for luxury and experiential tourism, India represents a long-term opportunity for New Zealand’s tourism sector.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) of New Zealand projects continued growth in Indian arrivals, supported by digital visa access, increasing air capacity, and destination marketing campaigns focused on “100% Pure New Zealand” messaging.
Moving forward, General Travel New Zealand plans to build on this momentum with more India-focused marketing campaigns, virtual roadshows, and familiarization trips for top-performing agents. The collaboration between Indian and New Zealand tourism entities is expected to deepen, enhancing travel flows and business outcomes for both nations.
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