TNZ and Tencent keep New Zealand top of mind for Chinese visitors

Tourism New Zealand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tencent Holdings Limited ("Tencent") to keep New Zealand top of mind for high-value Chinese visitors. Through Tencent's integrated digital marketing in mainland China, Chinese free and independent travellers (FIT) will have access to fresh, unique New Zealand travel experiences like never before, building New Zealand as a desirable, international destination brand in China.

Taking place in the 2019 China - New Zealand Year of Tourism, the MoU will also deepen Tourism New Zealand's understanding of Chinese visitors through Tencent Social Solution, which includes WeChat advertisements and WeChat Mini Programs. This includes includes information about Chinese visitors' consumption, habits and preferences in New Zealand to guide future in-market activity.

"China is New Zealand's second-largest international tourism market, and the number one market in terms of holiday spending," says Tourism New Zealand General Manager Asia, Gregg Wafelbakker.

"Tourism New Zealand has been seeking innovative partnerships to keep New Zealand top of mind in the China market and ensure an excellent visitor experience. As a leader in China's Internet industry, Tencent has a robust technology platform and strong digital marketing service capabilities. We are excited to leverage Tencent's expertise to jointly facilitate the development of the Chinese market and continue to provide high-quality travel experiences to Chinese visitors."

"We are excited about our collaboration with Tourism New Zealand, one of the world's most well-respected tourism boards," says Tencent Vice President International Business Group, Poshu Yeung.

"Fully utilizing Tencent Social Solution and our innovative technologies as well as our valuable insights into mainland Chinese consumers, we aim to help Tourism New Zealand in better connecting with its Chinese tourists, and further enrich the travel experiences of Chinese FIT visitors across New Zealand. Through this new collaboration along with other joint initiatives to come, New Zealand will certainly become a more popular destination of choice among Chinese travelers."

Tencent aims to enhance the Chinese visitor experience in New Zealand through promoting WeChat and Tencent Social Solution among Chinese tourists visiting the country. Tencent will also offer support for New Zealand tourism business to open or improve their WeChat official accounts to be able to more effectively build brand awareness.

Chinese tourists can access the newly launched Mini Program by Tourism New Zealand to get the latest travel information about the country, such as tourism activities, travel tips, visa policy, flight and hotel information, local transportation and weather updates.

To access Tourism New Zealand's Mini Program, please scan the following QR code with WeChat.