Shenzhen Business Daily Reading Client Reporter Fan Hongtao
From June 26th to 27th, the "Kia Ora South" New Zealand South Island Tourism Product Promotion Conference kicked off in South China. The event will be held in Guangzhou and Shenzhen to bring more New Zealand tourism resources and information to the domestic tourism industry.
The Annual Report on China's Outbound Tourism Development (2023-2024) points out that the number of outbound tourists will exceed 87 million in 2023, and the number of outbound tourists is forecast to be 130 million in 2024.
The reporter learned that New Zealand is one of the first countries to be included in China's first batch of pilot resumption of outbound group tours in 2023, injecting impetus into the recovery of local tourism. By the end of 2023, the number of overseas tourists visiting New Zealand had reached 79% of 2019 levels, and the number of Chinese tourists had recovered to 53%.
More and more tourists are showing interest in New Zealand's full range of outdoor sports and new experiences, in addition to the beauty and food. Skydiving is now a popular experience among Chinese travelers, with half of the month's sales accounted for just one Chinese New Year holiday.
At the same time, the increase in visitor numbers has been supported by the interconnection of flights between China and New Zealand, which has returned to 2019 levels since December last year. Among them, the number of Chinese tourists on the route has more than doubled since China Southern Airlines resumed direct flights from Guangzhou to Christchurch in November 2023. This year, the number of direct flights will be further increased, with the number of direct flights from Guangzhou to Christchurch increasing to five times a week for five months from October 2024. Direct flights can reach tourist destinations more quickly, reduce transit costs for tourists, and allow tourists to have more time and budget to better experience the destination.
According to the data, New Zealand is a destination with pleasant seasons. Every June, New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere is in the midst of a cool winter when the Northern Hemisphere summer heat wave is approaching. The mild climate, unique landscapes, and abundance of experiences make it an ideal out-of-season destination for many visitors. Winter temperatures in New Zealand are generally cooler, but temperatures vary widely from region to region. The snow-capped mountains and cool climate make for excellent skiing conditions, and many skiers come here to enjoy the hot summer months in the Northern Hemisphere.
In addition to snow and ice activities in the alpine regions, there are many seasonal experiences in New Zealand that can be enjoyed in winter, such as stargazing, wildlife encounters, bungee jumping, skydiving and other exciting outdoor experiences.
Winter is the best time for stargazing due to longer nights, lower humidity and clearer skies, with Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster), which represents the Māori New Year, and more opportunities to see the Southern Lights. At the same time, winter is also the peak season for whale migration. Visitors can take a boat out to sea to see huge whales floating on the surface of the sea, creating a beautiful picture with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Māori culture plays an integral role in New Zealand society. This year, the South Island Tourism Promotion Conference also celebrated the arrival of the Maori New Year with a special theme in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. At the end of May and the beginning of June, when the Matariki star cluster reappears in the early morning night sky, it marks the beginning of a new Māori year. Māori New Year is a great time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. Stargazing has become a very popular tourist activity in New Zealand, especially in the South Island. The Māori New Year enriches this wonderful travel experience.
The South Island Promotion Conference will also bring more New Zealand's winter tourism resources to China's tourism industry, share the same wonderful New Zealand winter, and let Chinese tourists experience an attractive travel experience in an all-round way. While we are delighted with the recovery of the tourism industry, we are also looking forward to more visitors in the South Island of New Zealand to embark on this extraordinary New Zealand journey and embrace its unique excitement.
Image courtesy of the event organizer