Footprints in the News
Maori Tourism Operators take Aotearoa New Zealand to the UK & Europe (press notice)
Maori Tourism operators say they're already receiving bookings as a result of a Tourism New Zealand mission to the UK and Europe.
The six tourism operators visiting travel sellers in London, Amsterdam, Switzerland and Germany to promote soaring mountains, fiery volcanoes, forest giants, brawling rivers, temperamental geysers and sparkling oceans.
The operators were from the North Island of New Zealand (known as Te Ika a Maui - Maui's fish - in Maori) representing Northland, Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo regions.
Their unique story-telling style of promoting New Zealand by connecting Maori stories to New Zealand's living landscapes and people has impressed travel sellers who were very interested in extending the range of Maori activities they included in their tours.
The operators provided a streamlined itinerary which could be used by any or all of the international trade.
The Maori tourism operators want to encourage trade and consumers to travel more widely and extend their stay by stimulating interest in Maori cultural experiences now available throughout all of New Zealand. This includes not just activities and attractions but transport and accommodation.
New Zealand is a favorite long-haul holiday destination for British travelers and this sector remains one of our most important markets. Visitors from the Netherlands are some of the longest staying travelers while Switzerland is a market with potential. Germany is a valuable market for New Zealand with long-staying visitors who like to get off the beaten track while all share a common love and interest in the beauty of our natural environment and unique flavor of New Zealand's indigenous Maori culture. A further opportunity to meet with international travel trade representatives is scheduled during TRENZ 2009, New Zealand's largest international tourism event, taking place at Auckland's ASB Show Grounds from 8 to 11 June.
The 100% Pure Cultural Mission delegation representatives were Hone Mihaka (Waka Taiamai Heritage Journeys), Koro Carman (Footprints Waipoua, Crossings Hokianga, Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga, Opononi Resort Hotel), Diane Bradshaw representing Potiki Adventures, Patrick Tamati (Te Puia, Hells Gate Wai Ora Spa, Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, Mokoia Island Wai Ora Experiences, Heli Pro Helicopter Adventures and Destination Rotorua), Steve Wall from Kaitiaki Adventures and Ngahuia Tahau (pureORAwalks).
"He herenga waka, he whitiwhiti whakaaro,
he whiti whiti korero, e tu ko te maramatanga"
Wherever canoes are tethered, thoughts are provoked,
dialogue is exchanged, and enlightenment comes forth
Websites relevant to this media release:
Waka Taiamai Heritage Journeys: www.taiamaitours.co.nz
Potiki Adventures: www.potikiadventures.com
Te Puia: www.tepuia.com
Hell's Gate: www.hellsgate.co.nz
Kaitiaki Adventures: www.kaitiaki.co.nz
pureORAwalks: www.pureORAwalks.com
Footprints Waipoua: www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz
For further information contact:
Waka Taiamai Heritage Journeys: Hone Mihaka - 027 290 7047
Potiki Adventures: Melissa Crockett - 021 522 648
Te Puia: Patrick Tamati - 027 333 1865
Kaitiaki Adventures: Steve Wall - 027 337 1476
pureORAwalks: Ngahuia - 021 715 947
Footprints Waipoua: Koro Carman - 027 472 2825