AA in tourism deal with Aussie cousin

The New Zealand Automobile Association has signed a joint venture deal with its Australian equivalent in a bid to expand its transtasman tourism business.

The not-for-profit society, which has more than a million members, will combine its tourism marketing, guides and web operation with the tourism and media business of the Australian Automobile Association to form Club Tourism Publishing.

AA Tourism general manager Peter Blackwell said the deal would give it access to the 6.5 million Australian AA members to which it would be able to market New Zealand and sell its guides.

Australians, who make up around 40 per cent of our international tourists, would also be able to book accommodation and travel deals in New Zealand through the partnership.

"There are 5000 tourism businesses that are clients of ours - we can now provide distribution for them in Australia," Blackwell said.

While no money would change hands at the outset, Blackwell said the confidential deal would eventually see the New Zealand AA make a financial gain - future proceeds from the combined business would then be split 50-50.

Blakewell said AA members in New Zealand would be able to book accommodation and deals in Australia.