With New Zealanders increasingly going online to research and book travel, Air New Zealand has renewed its partnership with XtraMSN, to market its services online through the revamped XtraMSN Travel Channel.

XtraMSN and Air New Zealand will pool their tools, content and technological expertise at xtramsn.co.nz/travel, where the almost 800,000 at-home Kiwi Net surfers who visit XtraMSN each month will be able to research a huge array of local and international travel destinations and catch up on all the latest travel news and information.

The deal means Air New Zealand

remains the exclusive provider of air travel services on the XtraMSN Travel Channel for another 12 months.

 

The extension of the partnership also means visitors to the site can book domestic and international Air New Zealand flights on the XtraMSN Travel Channel, plus access e.savers (Air New Zealand`s Internet only specials), the latest Air Points bonus offers and check out arrivals and departures.
“As more and more people look to the Internet to meet their travel needs, we `re delighted to be extending our partnership with New Zealand`s most popular Web site,” says Air New Zealand, Senior Vice President Sales and Distribution, Norm Thompson.
“Air New Zealand is committed to delivering a contemporary way to arrange travel which rewards customers with convenience, choice and price incentives.

 

“More Kiwis visit XtraMSN every month than any other Web site and our partnership means we can offer our best airfares and online functionality to all of those New Zealanders,” he says.

 

XtraMSN Business Development Manager Sarah Matheson says XtraMSN visitors will benefit from being able to access Air New Zealand`s range of online services through the XtraMSN Travel Channel.
“The XtraMSN and Air New Zealand relationship is a natural combination of strengths that will benefit both organisations and our customers,” she says.

The new XtraMSN Travel Channel includes interactive maps to help visitors find the perfect destination, the ability to search for accommodation and activities throughout New Zealand, destination guides from leading travel publisher Lonely Planet, travel news and features from travel magazines Destinations and Travel Digest, message boards, and tips including travel advice for women, Kiwis on their OE, and seniors.

Meanwhile, the latest research on Kiwis` travel habits from AC Nielsen

shows increasing numbers of New Zealanders of all ages are going online to plan or book holidays.
According to AC Nielsen 43% of New Zealanders had used the Net for planning or booking travel in 2001, up from 23% in 1999. The research found 24% of New Zealanders consider the Internet to be their “most useful” source of information when planning international travel, second only to travel agents (46%).
Related stories on ITN:

(20/03/2002) Air New Zealand Expands Internet-Only Specials

 

(24/04/2001) Air New Zealand Introduces a New Online Initiative

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