Even organisers concede that after five years of not having the show on the annual event calendar, combined with the general economic challenges and an election later this year could have resulted in a reduced turnout.
Instead, there were lines outside the Eventfinda Stadium’s doors before 9am, queues of people wanting to book, full seats at presentations and pressure on the car parking for much of the day.
Heidi Walker, general manager Flight Centre New Zealand says all indications, including feedback from exhibitors are that the expo was a big success.
‘We’ve seen a high-calibre of bookings across various segments, including cruise, touring and luxury.
‘Our stores around the country were open and offering specials to coincide with the expo. We wanted to test the market with this event and we’ll now look at returning next year and considering holding expos in other regions around New Zealand. We will be evaluating all of that soon.’
Walker says the expo attracted 46 suppliers, with a number them representing two or more brands.
‘We’re really happy with the mix as we are with the diverse group of customers who attended.’
Paul Dymond, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours, says Flight Centre’s advertising blitz obviously worked.
‘The first booking we had was from (the suburb of) Hillsborough so the expo clearly pulled people from the other side of the bridge. My presentation was at 9.40am and it was standing room only.’
He says Japan was the number one destination people were enquiring about, followed closely by China.
Anna Fawcett, general manager of Global Touring (Back-Roads and Topdeck) says both brands generated plenty of interest.
‘For Topdeck people were excited about the changes we’ve made. A lot of young people are here with their parents who are wanting to make sure their kids can have a trip with people who are essentially their own age and have a safe and cultural experience.’
Thomas Gentz, BDM New Zealand for Journey Beyond, says he was ‘really happy’ with the attendance.
‘We were busy from 9am – there is so much interest in train travel.’
Alice Ager, Uniworld’s MD Australia and New Zealand, says a number of attendees were past guests who had previously booked through Travel Associates. ‘I was impressed with the numbers – the morning was booming.’
Tom Svensen, Tourism Fiji with Rhiannon Hatley and Bella Barmes, both Flight Centre marketing
Gabby Oliver and Anna Fawcett, Back-Roads Touring / Top Deck
The crew from Wendy Wu Tours… Paul Dymond, Samantha Martin, Caroline King
Lauren Bevan, Explora Journeys; Julia Hindman, Flight Centre
Uniworld’s Alice Ager and Alka Thapar
