Sales manager New Zealand, Vaughan Kitchener says the ideal scenario at the events is for agents to attend with their clients.
‘These roadshows are a proven formula and we know that they drive success for agents.
‘We send out a full trade marketing kit to help trade connect with their own databases and to encourage their customers to come along. We communicate back with the names of their people who attended, however if the agents come as well it gives them a better idea of what we are offering and how they can take full advantage of what we offer.’
Kitchener says the roadshows cover the country but they tend to focus on areas where the trade support is strong and where APT and Travelmarvel see growth opportunities.
‘For example we went to Thames last year. The response was excellent and we’ll back this year. Masterton was one of the other places that was well supported by agents and clients, while we always see strong results from Christchurch, Tauranga and Auckland among others. If agents in a region we not visiting want to see us, we’re happy to hear from them – we’re always open to more destinations based on feedback and enthusiasm from the trade.’
Kitchener says because APT and Travelmarvel cover so much of the globe and encompass different modes and types of travel, the brands lend themselves to repeat customers.
He says agents should also consider luxury domestic opportunities for customers. ‘We have a Wellington to Bluff small ship cruise departing 4 January next year. It takes in Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Stewart Island, Fiordland and more, ending in Queenstown. We’re expecting a lot of interest from the local market in that over the next three or four months.’
Details of the Q1 events are: Auckland, Tuesday 3 March, Fairway Events Centre, 6-8pm; Whangarei, Thursday 5 March, TOLL Stadium (Semenoff Stadium), 6- 8pm; Christchurch, Tuesday 10 March, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwheu, 10am-1pm; Kapiti Coast, Wednesday 11 March, Paraparaumu Golf Club, 6-8pm; Palmerston North, 12 March, Silky Otter Cinema, 6-8pm; Auckland East, Wednesday 18 March, Sorrento in the Park, 10am-1pm; Tauranga, Tuesday 24 March, Trinity Wharf, 10am-1pm.
