Showing off Rotorua to India

Rotorua has been showcased in a recent toursim mission to India - one of New Zealand's fastest growing international visitor markets. Photo/File

Rotorua has been showcased in a recent tourism mission to India - one of New Zealand's fastest growing international visitor markets.

A two-week-long trip to Delhi and Mumbai, fronted by Destination Rotorua, saw a group of key operators showcase Rotorua to more than 400 influential travel agents, product managers and managing directors.

Destination Rotorua Trade Manager Patrick Dault said the sales mission was aimed at putting the region at the front of people's minds, specifically for the honeymooner, family markets and incentive group and working to command a minimum three night stay in Rotorua.

"We want to help create passionate advocates for Rotorua in India, increasing sellers' enthusiasm for the region and its products. In doing so we hope to drive up the average number of visitor nights which will have the knock-on effect of a greater average visitor spend," he said.

Agents from Mumbai's Kesari Tours are trained on the wonders of Rotorua.

"The Indian market is extremely valuable as a large percentage travel in the off-peak or shoulder season, which is of the greatest benefit to our operators. Moreover, the market is extremely well suited to what Rotorua offers, showing a clear preference for adventure products and high interest in geothermal and volcanic landscapes, sightseeing by air and cultural products."

For the 12 months to May 2016, there were almost 48,000 Indian visitor arrivals to New Zealand an 11 per cent increase over the previous year. For the same period APR Consultants recorded a 19 per cent increase on the Rotorua Activities and Attractions Monitor for Indian visitors.

Director of Volcanic Air Tim Barrow said the trip confirmed that the growing Indian market will continue to present opportunities for Rotorua tourism operators and a number of inbound operators have already committed to longer stays in the region.

Skyline Rotorua Sales and Marketing Manager David Blackmore said the Indian honeymoon and family groups were particularly important for Skyline Rotorua and feedback during the trip was very encouraging.

"Rotorua was very well represented, with Destination Rotorua leading the way in organising sales calls and training to make the most of the trip," said Mr Blackmore.

"Tourism New Zealand has also recently put additional funding into growing this market, so Rotorua operators having such a strong presence was excellent to see."