Tourism New Zealand Strengthens Ties with India, Eyes Doubling Indian Arrivals in 2025
Tourism New Zealand is deepening its engagement with the Indian market through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility, fostering people-to-people connections, and positioning New Zealand as a year-round destination for Indian travelers. With a focus on increasing visitor numbers, improving connectivity, and building stronger trade partnerships, these efforts are set to unlock significant growth opportunities across key Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
A major milestone in these efforts was marked at a special tourism reception hosted by Tourism New Zealand, where the Right Honorable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Air India and Air New Zealand. This agreement will explore the feasibility of a direct flight route between India and New Zealand—a breakthrough that promises to reduce travel barriers, streamline long-haul journeys, and make New Zealand more accessible than ever for Indian travelers.
Speaking at the reception, the Right Honorable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, emphasized the importance of fostering closer ties between the two nations. He stated, “India and New Zealand share a rich history of cultural exchange and mutual respect. Strengthening tourism ties not only promotes economic collaboration but also enhances the deep people-to-people connections between our countries. We are committed to making New Zealand a more accessible and welcoming destination for Indian travelers, and I am confident that these new partnerships will pave the way for increased visitor flows and greater cultural understanding.”
To further support Indian visitor growth, Tourism New Zealand, in partnership with Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand, has committed to a joint seasonal marketing campaign. This collaborative investment focuses on promoting off-peak travel during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons, encouraging Indian travelers to explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and unique experiences year-round.
In a significant boost to travel trade engagement, Tourism New Zealand has also signed joint venture (JV) agreements with nine leading Indian travel partners—EaseMyTrip.com, Flamingo Transworld Pvt. Ltd., Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd., Kulin Kumar Holidays, MakeMyTrip.com, Pickyourtrail, SOTC Travel Ltd., Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and Veena World. These partnerships will drive visitation through curated travel packages designed to meet the evolving preferences of Indian travelers, with a special emphasis on promoting New Zealand’s winter and spring offerings.
An exclusive integrated winter campaign has also been launched, combining compelling media content with attractive promotional travel packages. This initiative will leverage digital platforms to inspire Indian travelers while offering seamless booking opportunities through travel partners. With a focus on New Zealand’s snow-capped landscapes, adventure sports, and luxury stays, the campaign aims to position New Zealand as an ideal winter getaway.
René de Monchy, Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, underscored the immense potential of the Indian market, stating, “India is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing source markets, with holiday visitor numbers experiencing double-digit growth. Our goal is to double Indian arrivals by leveraging enhanced connectivity, targeted marketing efforts, and strengthened trade partnerships. The Indian outbound travel season aligns perfectly with New Zealand’s off-peak months, providing us with a unique opportunity to drive year-round visitation. We remain committed to making New Zealand an accessible, aspirational, and affordable destination for Indian travelers.”
With 18.3 million potential travelers across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru actively considering New Zealand as their next destination—and 43% ranking it as their top choice—Tourism New Zealand is strategically positioned to tap into this growing demand. In 2023, 87,000 Indian travelers visited New Zealand, accounting for 3.3% of total arrivals, with 72% of holiday visitors arriving during the off-peak season.
These initiatives mark a new chapter in the India-New Zealand tourism relationship, with a clear focus on removing barriers, enhancing connectivity, and offering enriching travel experiences. With the combined efforts of government partnerships, airline collaborations, and travel trade engagement, New Zealand aims to become a preferred, year-round holiday destination for Indian travelers.
