West Coast wows international travel agents

Development West Coast (DWC), in partnership with ATS Pacific, a New Zealand-based inbound operator, organised the three-day famil, which included 23 senior and frontline agents from Helloworld partners in the UK, Europe, and the USA.

The agents’ New Zealand itinerary also featured stops in Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Queenstown, and Christchurch. Andrew Aitken, DWC’s Destination and Tourism Manager, underscored the importance of the West Coast's inclusion in such a high-profile tour.

The time spent on the Coast left a lasting impression, with the visiting agents expressing amazement at the region's diverse offerings. Karyn Brocas from ATS Pacific Travel remarked, “the West Coast has left us all speechless.”

“Our visiting agents had no idea of the endless options available for our clients, and it was a true honour to explore this extremely beautiful and diverse region with them. Memories were made that will last a lifetime,” she added.

DWC Tourism Executive Lucy Nilson said the group enjoyed a packed itinerary, connecting with over 20 local tourism operators and experiencing the best the Coast has to offer.

The itinerary offered a mix of adventure and relaxation, from cave rafting at Underworld Adventures and quad biking with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours to scenic walks at the Hokitika Gorge, and stargazing on Punakaiki Beach.

The famil provided opportunities for the visiting agents to deepen their understanding of the region, ensuring they are well prepared to recommend the West Coast as a must-visit destination for international travellers.

According to the latest Marketview data, visitor spending on the West Coast grew by 9.8% for the year ending September, outperforming the national trend, which saw a 0.1% decline. International spending in the region jumped by 20%, with the largest contributions coming from the United States (29%), Europe (21%), Australia (20%), and the United Kingdom (15%)—representing their share of the total international spend.