A new Auckland-based initiative is to target business and first-class passengers from China in an attempt to drum up more business from the growing market.
The initiative is a joint undertaking by Auckland Airport and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) - an Auckland Council organisation.
It is due to get under way in the next few months
Auckland Airport's international market development manager, Mark Frood, says the scheme will be offered through airline loyalty programmes, a debit/credit card company and social networks.
He says the aim is to more than double the number of high-end Chinese tourists to New Zealand next year, ensuring that the airport's airline partners are sustainable and that visitors have a good experience.
Mr Frood says the packages on offer will include five-star and better accommodation along with helicopter and self-drive options for getting between attractions.
The initiative was announced in the Chinese city of Guangzhou at the end of a nine-day trade mission to five Chinese cities led by Auckland mayor Len Brown.
