The news comes as March visitation figures show that New Zealand arrivals into Australia are now slightly higher than they were in 2019. Year on year in March, this year showed 6% growth on 2025, reaching 1.45 million.
Chris Allison, vice-president Americas and New Zealand for Tourism Australia, says Australia on Tout will start in Queenstown on 23 November before heading to Christchurch (24 Nov), Wellington (25 Nov) and Auckland (26 Nov).
‘We’ll have more details soon, but at the moment we’re advising trade to save the dates.’
Allison adds that TA is looking to bring executives from the Signature Experiences of Australia collectives back to New Zealand as well, probably in early 2027, leveraging on the traction that is already being made in the luxury sector.
The national tourism office is also looking to increase its attention on the incentive travel market here, with distribution and partnerships manager Daniel Wright working in the business events area (in conjunction with the Sydney team) as well as retaining his focus on the leisure market.
‘Proximity is the key factor for New Zealanders. We realise there some softening in the economy and volatility in the market, plus an election later in the year. However, we know Kiwis continue to have a desire to travel and in the corporate sector companies still want to reward and retain their staff with incentive travel. Australia provides an excellent and safe opportunity for that.’
Allison notes that events continue to be a key driver for travel – the cricket tour (including Boxing Day Test) by New Zealand starting later this year, the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and The Olympics in Brisbane in 2032 are just a few of the highlights.
Strong interest from the trade on this side of the Tasman was evident through the turnout at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide that wrapped up yesterday – 18 Kiwi delegates including product managers, select retailers, luxury operators and brand executives attended the event.
Hayley Fraser, House of Travel (centre); with Lauren Cornish and Imogen Rivers, both Journey Beyond/ Monarto Safari Resort
Flight Centre representatives at ATE: Annabel Fuller, UK; Tom Holden, Nick Queale, Australia; Heidi Walker, NZ
