Niue’s ‘Come And See’ Takes Another Step

Niue’s continued focus on value tourism, rather than just numbers, and the destination’s desire to have more understanding within the Kiwi trade are two motivating factors behind a product managers famil taking place now.
The group, that includes representatives from five wholesalers, is also the first of its kind to visit since Air New Zealand increased its frequency to the island to twice a week, and Matavai Scenic Resort opened its new conference centre and 12 new rooms.
‘The message to the trade is ‘come and see us for yourselves,’ says Niue Tourism’s acting CEO and director of marketing and events, Felicity Bollen.
She says visitor numbers out of New Zealand reached 10,000 by air last year, an increase of some 1800. And while the steady annual increase has been welcome, Bollen says the main emphasis is on yield.
‘Visitor spend has doubled since 2009 and that’s where we need to put our efforts.’
Most of the wholesale group members visiting Niue now are first timers’ though Flight Centre’s Ruzanne Keresoma is on her second visit and Shelley Gutry of Our Pacific is a fairly frequent visitor.
Mike Hogan, whose company represents Niue in New Zealand, says the aim is to get more such visits happening.
‘The last time we did this was a couple of years ago, though we have had two wholesalers (helloworld and House of Travel) do their own famils in that time.’
Hogan says the latest industry self famil programme had a strong response – with around 35 to 40 agents signed up.
‘We’ll have another self famil launch for the new year as well.’
Bollen adds that the self famils had been a fantastic investment. ‘They really pay off in terms of ROI.’
The product managers were updated by activity and tour providers at one on one sessions in Matavai Scenic Resort on Wednesday night (Tuesday in Niue), had dinner at Kaiika Restaurant and then, yesterday, went on a West Coast Tour with Niue Resort.
 
(Source: TRAVELinc MEMO 03 November 2017 Issue 1054)