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Transtasman airline rivalry has hit new heights, with Air New Zealand deciding not to take part in a major tourism trade event because it isn't being allowed to compete directly with Qantas.
G'day New Zealand Australia Week, organised by Tourism Australia, aims to market Australia to New Zealand's wholesale travel industry.
This year for the first time the trade show has tacked on a travel expo day to market Australian tourism direct to the general public.
But because Qantas is the key sponsor of the week, competing airlines have been blocked from having a stall at the public open day, prompting Air NZ to skip the entire event.
Air New Zealand's Cam Wallace told Travel Trade that without its participation at the consumer day, the investment in the event did not stack up to the rewards.
Flight Centre, New Zealand's largest travel agency, will also be absent, citing commercial needs.
"The withdrawal does not in any way reflect a change in Flight Centre's attitude to the value of Tourism Australia and its training programme," the company said. Instead, Flight Centre said, it would boost its in-house training which it holds after hours.
Tourism Australia regional manager Vito Anzelmi said he hoped the more than 150 suppliers attending the event would help broaden people's knowledge about what Australia had to offer.
The Week is made up of a series of events, including the OZTalk Retail Conference, OZTalk Consumer Travel Expo, The Very Gold Coast Corporate Golf Challenge, The Spirit of Mateship Gala Dinner and The Rosemount Great Australian Lunch.
G'day NZ Australia week will be held from April 24 to May 2 in Auckland.
The travel expo is on April 27 at the ASB Showgrounds.
