New Zealand’s top Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program agents were rewarded with an eight-day famil of Tropical North Queensland ahead of an increase of direct flights to Cairns.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the June trip coincided with the announcement that seat capacity from New Zealand to Cairns Airport would double next year.
“Air New Zealand is increasing their seasonal direct flights from Auckland to three times a week from July 4 and to four times a week from August 5,” he said.
“Jetstar has announced the direct flights from Christchurch to Cairns will start in April 2025 giving direct access from New Zealand’s South Island for the first time.
“New Zealand is currently Tropical North Queensland’s fourth largest international market with 32,000 visitors in the year ending March 2024, but we expect that number to grow in 2025 with the additional flights.
“It is less than six hours’ flying time from both Auckland and Christchurch making Cairns an ideal tropical getaway for New Zealanders wanting to escape their cold winters for warm sunshine.
“There are more than 2500 tours showcasing Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage areas, the outback, Indigenous culture and, of course, our laidback lifestyle.
“Tourism Tropical North Queensland has received excellent feedback from the eight Expedia agents and the Air New Zealand representative hosted on the famil, with the majority visiting the region for the first time.
“The Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest were highlights for the group who did day tours to Cape Tribulation and Kuranda, visited Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, and went white water rafting.
“Site tours of hotels in Palm Cove and Port Douglas, a wildlife experience, free time to explore art galleries and restaurant experiences gave them a good overview of activities that would appeal to their market.”
