Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand have today launched a major joint campaign to encourage Japanese travellers to visit New Zealand between April and October 2015.

The campaign, which aims to attract at least 7,000 additional visitors to New Zealand over the upcoming shoulder season, is being driven through a combination of marketing and PR activities including leading Japanese travel TV shows, newspapers, trade publications and digital channels - offering travellers a special all inclusive airfare starting from ¥88,000 to New Zealand.

Air New Zealand General Manager Japan Scott Carr says the airline is confident in the growth of the Japan market for travel to New Zealand and has a goal to double the number of visitors from Japan by 2019.
“We’re investing significantly in the Japanese market through marketing initiatives and joint campaigns such as this one, as well as investing in the customer experience for those travelling on the Tokyo - Auckland route,” says Mr Carr.

The airline recently introduced the revolutionary new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, which is fitted with the very latest in on-board technology including the innovative Economy Skycouch, spacious new Premium Economy and lie-flat Business Premier seats.

Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Manager Japan Nick Mudge is pleased to see good growth in visitor numbers from Japan over the past year.

“Part of Tourism New Zealand strategic marketing plan is to spread the flow of visitors to New Zealand more evenly throughout the year and joint ventures such as this one targeting the shoulder season ensures strong momentum from the Japan market is continued into 2015,” says Mr Mudge.

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration in Japan to boost demand outside of peak season supports the Tourism Industry Association’s Tourism 2025 framework for growth.
Air New Zealand has been flying between Japan and New Zealand for 35 years and is the only airline currently offering a daily direct service between the two countries. The airline flies daily between Tokyo and Auckland and operates a seasonal Tokyo - Christchurch service.