Tourism NZ: Agents awed by New Zealand experience
18-Apr-2017 Two travel agents from the Philippines are now better able to sell New Zealand based on first-hand experience after winning an eight day trip to the South Island.
Caryl Aglian from Scorpio Travel & Tours and Precious Flores from Travel Bounty won the trip after attending Tourism New Zealand's inaugural travel agent training in Manila last year.
The pair became eligible for the trip after joining the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme.
Caryl and Precious report having an amazing time in New Zealand, a destination that was on both their bucket lists.
Caryl said "Nature is practically everywhere. A few hours away from a bustling city you can find a lake, rainforest or farm. And I have never seen anything like the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves anywhere in the world.
"My clients will definitely appreciate the relaxing nature, fresh air and fun-filled adventure that New Zealand has to offer."
Tourism New Zealand has been actively marketing New Zealand as a holiday destination in the Philippines since 2016.
21,152 people from the Philippines visited New Zealand in the year ending February 2017-a 44.8 per cent increase on the previous year.
Regional Manager, South and South East Asia Steven Dixon says "We have delivered training to over 350 travel agents in the Philippines over the past year, it's an important way of bringing the local industry up to speed on how to sell New Zealand holidays".
"Agents like Caryl and Precious who have now visited New Zealand have an extra advantage because they can encourage people to visit based on personal experiences."
Tourism New Zealand will roll out further agent training events in the Philippines later this year to support the growth of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme in the country.
"From 2-4 October 2017 we will host two major training events in Manila as part of the inaugural Kiwi Link in the Philippines. The first is a two day product manager workshop which 45 agents from South East Asia will attend. The second is a training day for up to 80 Manila travel agents," says Steven.
The 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme is designed to improve travel agents' knowledge of New Zealand so they can build 'must do' itineraries according to the preferences and needs of their clients.
Travel agents who join the programme receive access to sales tools and marketing collateral to help them better sell New Zealand as a holiday destination.