Visitors from China attending conferences, meetings, trade exhibitions and incentives are a particular focus of the collaboration.
Just six per cent of the 210,000 business travellers from China entering New Zealand since pandemic travel restrictions ended were in the country for business events.
Overall the number of Chinese business travellers to New Zealand is now sitting at 65 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The latest figures seen by micenet on New Zealand’s international visitation – as at the end of 2023 – put the country’s overall traveller numbers at around 76 per cent of 2019 levels.
“This is a ground-breaking agreement for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, as it is the first time that the Auckland Convention Bureau has partnered with an international airline to boost Auckland’s profile as a business events destination in the Chinese market,” said head of bureau, Ken Pereira.
“This MOU offers us the chance to further strengthen our partnerships between Auckland and China – in particular across business events and incentive travel.”
“Not only does Auckland have great tourism experiences that attract Chinese visitors, but the city is also a hub of innovation, home to three universities and the base for many world-leading international and New Zealand-owned companies.”
China Southern already flies a daily non-stop service between Auckland and the Chinese city of Guangzhou, which has a population well over three times that of the whole of New Zealand.
The MoU aims to build on the existing flight frequency.
“We have seen a strong return of Chinese travellers since international travel fully resumed post-pandemic,” said Auckland Airport’s chief customer officer, Scott Tasker.
“Chinese travellers are attracted here by the opportunity to experience an amazing tourism offering that combines unique culture and incredible scenery. And let’s not forget our local expat Chinese community, which numbers around 300,000, also attracts friends and family visitation.
“With such solid personal and trade links with China, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Airport and China Southern Airlines can see an opportunity to grow market share among Chinese businesses looking to hold an event or conference in a distinctive and memorable location,” he said.
“Our three organisations have a history of working together and playing to our respective strengths. This partnership builds on that relationship to develop an exciting new market for Auckland’s conference providers.”
According to executive vice president of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, Guangji Qu, China Southern was the first mainland China airline to operate regular services to Auckland, which began in 2011.
“Over the past 13 years, China Southern has transported a total of 2.53 million passengers between China and New Zealand. With the partnership of Auckland Airport and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, China Southern will continue the commitment to being the ‘air bridge between China and New Zealand’,” he said.
The three organisations will now market Auckland as a business events destination to Chinese companies and their staff.
