World’s top travel editors to experience Auckland in 2014

21 May 2013

World’s top travel editors set to experience Auckland in 2014

Auckland has won the rights to host the Travel Classics writers’ association bi-annual conference in May 2014, thanks to a bid by Tourism New Zealand, ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development) and Air New Zealand.

Around 50 top travel editors and freelance writers from North America will attend the four-day conference on Auckland’s waterfront, as well as being given the chance to experience tourism attractions and activities around New Zealand.

In previous years the conference has been attended by editors from prestigious travel publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler and Travel+Leisure.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager Brand & International PR Catherine Bates says that hosting the conference in New Zealand offers an unique opportunity to showcase our country to some of North America’s most highly influential travel media.

“North America is a key visitor market for us and this is a very select group of media writing for travel publications that reach millions of people.

“Delegates will have the opportunity to travel the country through pre and post-conference tours, carefully tailored to profile the range of experiences on offer.

“We're confident that these will result in many positive stories that appeal to our target audience.”

The conference will be hosted at the five star luxury Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel which boasts an unique maritime location within the heart of Auckland city.

ATEED Manager Tourism Jason Hill says welcoming this high calibre group of writers to Auckland is a golden opportunity.

“Outside the conference the editors will enjoy a diverse mix of Auckland activities and experiences that will likely translate into compelling articles. Auckland has changed considerably in the last few years and I think they’ll be surprised with what’s on offer,” he says.

Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Sales Officer Norm Thompson says; “North America has long been an important market for Air New Zealand and we have been encouraged to see the number of inbound visitors from the United States show a positive return to growth.

“This conference provides a fantastic opportunity to bring New Zealand to life for this important audience and we hope in turn will encourage more Americans to consider booking a Kiwi holiday.”

The Travel Classics writers’ conferences offer exclusive biannual training and networking events for a select segment of professional travel magazine writers, authors and editors from North America.

ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) is Auckland’s economic growth agency.

ENDS

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