NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation, and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) have signed a city-to-city tourism agreement, which will boost the tourist flow between both countries.
The two-year agreement, which was formalised on February 17 at an industry ceremony at Ōrākei Marae in Auckland, will enable both companies to cross promote their respective destinations and boost visitorship through reciprocal marketing and promotion.
The agreement will cover the five boroughs of New York City to the four corners of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, encouraging each destinations’ communities to connect through storytelling, ideas, business opportunities, and contacts.
The new tourism partnership between New York City and Auckland comes as Air New Zealand (ANZ) prepares to launch a new direct service between the two destinations, beginning in October 2020.
ANZ chief strategy, network and alliances officer Nick Judd said: “Our non-stop flight will cut travel time by around three hours, putting New Zealand in easy reach of New York and the Eastern Seaboard.”
The partnership also demonstrates the respective destinations’ commitment to leading global change around economic, environmental and social sustainability, with a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism.
ATEED chief executive Nick Hill said: “Like New York, Auckland is committed to addressing the challenges of climate change and this commitment will ensure that the growth in visitor numbers enriches our region beyond the economic benefit, helping us protect and improve our environment, our unique identity and cultural heritage, and quality of life.”
