Picture this: Rajasthan’s pink-tinged dawn, espresso in hand, while a New Zealand tourism pro tries to pronounce ‘Hyderabad’ flawlessly for the tenth time. That’s how cross-continental travel promotion really starts—awkwardly, ambitiously, and with a tremendous amount of heart. The 2025 General Travel New Zealand & Kiwiway Vacations roadshow across India was less of a ‘tour’ and more of a mutual courtship—think speed dating, but with brochures and brochures of beautiful landscapes. Here’s an uncensored tour behind the velvet rope.
All About the Kiwi Delegation: More Than Just Middle-Earth Accents
When most people think of New Zealand, images of lush landscapes and Middle-Earth scenery often come to mind. However, the recent 5-city India roadshow revealed that the Kiwi Delegation is about much more than cinematic backdrops and charming accents. In 2025, General Travel New Zealand and its premium brand Kiwiway Vacations brought together the largest ever group of New Zealand tourism brands to participate in a travel event series across India. This historic milestone saw 16 leading companies—ranging from the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set Tours to Air New Zealand and luxury hotel groups—showcasing the true diversity of New Zealand Tourism.
The roadshow, which spanned Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore, was designed to connect Indian travel planners with top B2B travel agents and destination management companies (DMCs) from around the world. The result? A vibrant showcase of FIT Packages (Free Independent Traveller packages) tailored specifically for Indian travelers. These packages offered everything from wine country escapes and wellness retreats to adrenaline adventures and indigenous cultural experiences. Notable brands such as Skyline Enterprises, Entrada Group, Polynesian Spa, RotoruaNZ, and Air New Zealand highlighted the sheer variety available for every type of traveler.
Research shows that this was the largest Kiwi presence ever at an Indian travel event, with 16 New Zealand companies participating. This eclectic mix of tourism providers ensured that the offerings were as diverse as the Indian market itself. Families, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and luxury tourists all found something to spark their interest. For example, one delegate humorously claimed to have convinced a Kolkata agent that bungee-jumping is actually relaxing—if you do a haka first. While this anecdote may be tongue-in-cheek, it reflects the delegation’s commitment to blending Kiwi culture with unique travel experiences.
Over 300 Indian travel advisors attended the roadshow, engaging in in-depth discussions and exploring New Zealand’s tourism products firsthand. These B2B sessions were not just about presentations; they were opportunities for real connection and learning. The feedback from Indian agents was overwhelmingly positive, indicating a growing demand for experiential, customized international holidays among Indian travelers. As Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, put it:
“India is not just a market; it’s a community we genuinely want to engage and understand.”
The success of the roadshow was also due in large part to the efforts of Global Destinations, General Travel’s representative in India. Their expertise in event coordination and industry networking ensured that the Kiwi delegation’s experience was seamless and impactful. By facilitating meaningful engagement with key Indian travel stakeholders, they helped lay the groundwork for future collaboration and growth in New Zealand Tourism.
Ultimately, the 2025 roadshow illustrated the increasing interconnections between Indian travel professionals and the diverse brands of New Zealand’s tourism sector. The Kiwi Delegation proved that New Zealand is ready to welcome Indian travelers with open arms—and with much more than just Middle-Earth magic.
Experiential Luxury Tourism: Redefining the Indian Outbound Dream
The landscape of Indian outbound travel is evolving rapidly, with a marked shift towards experiential luxury tourism. No longer satisfied with traditional sightseeing, Indian travelers are now seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with their destinations. This trend was front and center at the recent General Travel New Zealand 5-city India roadshow, where the focus was firmly on immersive experiences, sustainable adventures, and indigenous heritage.
Research shows that Indian travelers are increasingly drawn to experiences that go beyond the surface. Imagine, for instance, engaging with Maori guides, learning about their traditions, and participating in cultural rituals. Or, picture unwinding in Rotorua’s renowned geothermal spas, such as the Polynesian Spa, where the healing waters are steeped in both natural wonder and indigenous history. These are the kinds of moments that define experiential luxury tourism—personal, memorable, and rooted in local culture.
The roadshow highlighted how New Zealand tourism is uniquely positioned to meet these evolving preferences. With its blend of pristine landscapes, adventure activities, and authentic Maori heritage, New Zealand offers a compelling mix for Indian honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike. The Kiwiway Vacations FIT packages, showcased during the event, are tailored to this demand, offering everything from soft adventure—like helicopter rides over dramatic fjords—to eco-luxury stays in scenic lodges.
Indian travel agents, more than 300 of whom participated in the roadshow, reported a surge in requests for sustainable adventures and customized holidays. As one agent noted, “Our clients want to tick off more than just famous sights. They want to discover hidden gems and come home with stories.” This sentiment was echoed by Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, who observed:
“We’re seeing Indian guests truly seek connection—be it with nature, people, or their own sense of adventure.”
The concept of the imaginary ‘NZ Trip Bingo Card’ became a playful theme during the roadshow, challenging travelers to uncover as many off-the-beaten-path experiences as possible. Whether it’s exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, embarking on a guided Maori cultural tour at Te Puia, or sampling local cuisine in boutique settings, the possibilities for unique, personalized adventures are endless.
Statistically, the potential is immense. Studies indicate that India’s outbound travel market now boasts an estimated 18.3 million potential travelers from major cities. With this growing audience, the demand for experiential, sustainable, and luxury travel options is only set to rise. New Zealand’s tourism partners, from luxury hotels to adventure operators, are responding by curating experiences that cater to these sophisticated tastes while emphasizing environmental responsibility and cultural authenticity.
Ultimately, the 5-city roadshow not only showcased New Zealand as a top long-haul destination for Indian travelers but also underscored the collaborative spirit between Indian travel professionals and New Zealand’s diverse tourism sector. The focus on indigenous heritage and sustainable adventures reflects a broader movement in global tourism—one where the journey is as important as the destination, and every trip is an opportunity for genuine discovery.
Bridging Two Worlds: The Power of B2B in Global Travel
When more than 300 Indian B2B travel agents gather in five bustling cities, something remarkable happens. The recent New Zealand Travel Roadshow—spanning Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore from June 30 to July 4, 2025—was not just a series of business meetings. It was a vibrant exchange of ideas, cultures, and opportunities, all centered around the evolving Indian outbound travel market.
At the heart of this event was the seamless connection between B2B travel agents and destination management companies (DMCs). General Travel New Zealand, together with Kiwiway Vacations, brought a record 16 New Zealand tourism brands to India. Their goal? To showcase the best of New Zealand’s adventure, luxury, and cultural experiences, tailored for Indian travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Research shows that curated connections—those made through trusted DMCs and event specialists—are key to successful international tourism. That’s where Global Destinations stepped in. Acting as the matchmaker of the travel world, they curated and coordinated every detail of the roadshow. Imagine it as a professional version of Tinder, but instead of swiping left or right, agents exchanged business cards, swapped stories over masala chai, and sometimes even broke into spontaneous Bollywood dance lessons in Bangalore. These moments, both planned and unplanned, helped foster genuine relationships that go far beyond the boardroom.
The roadshow’s format encouraged active engagement. Indian travel agents didn’t just listen to presentations—they participated in hands-on sessions, explored new travel products, and provided real-time feedback. This approach deepened their knowledge of New Zealand’s diverse offerings, from FIT (Free Independent Traveller) packages to luxury stays and adventure tours. The result? A stronger foundation for partnership-driven travel planning, perfectly aligned with the sophisticated tastes of today’s Indian travelers.
The numbers speak for themselves: over 300 Indian B2B travel advisors, five major cities, and a week of intensive networking. But the true impact lies in the connections made. As Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, noted:
“Meaningful partnerships are built not in meetings, but in moments—over food, music, and laughter.”
This philosophy was evident throughout the roadshow. Whether it was a lively debate about the best time to visit Rotorua, or a shared laugh during a cultural exchange, these interactions underscored the importance of trust and understanding in the travel industry.
Global Destinations’ careful event curation ensured that every encounter—whether formal or informal—had the potential to spark new collaborations. Their expertise in destination management and their strong industry relationships were instrumental in making the roadshow a success. As studies indicate, such curated B2B connections are essential for building sustainable, cross-border tourism partnerships.
Ultimately, the New Zealand Travel Roadshow highlighted how the power of B2B engagement and destination management can bridge continents, cultures, and business goals—one conversation, one handshake, and sometimes, one dance step at a time.
Beyond the Roadshow: Why These Initiatives Are More Than Just PR
When we look beyond the glitz of a multi-city event, the true value of New Zealand Tourism’s recent 5-city India roadshow becomes clear. This initiative was never just about making headlines or gathering for photo opportunities. Instead, it was a carefully planned effort to deepen the relationship between New Zealand and the Indian outbound travel market, with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) playing a central role in making these connections meaningful and lasting.
The impact of this roadshow is already visible. New Zealand’s image as an aspirational, accessible, and enriching destination for Indian travelers has been significantly strengthened. By bringing together over 300 India travel agents and 16 leading New Zealand tourism partners, the event created a unique platform for real conversations, honest feedback, and practical learning. This exchange of ideas and experiences provided both sides with valuable market intelligence—insights that will shape future marketing strategies, product development, and collaborative partnerships.
Research shows that India-New Zealand partnerships are growing, with DMCs acting as the bridge that makes cross-border travel seamless. The roadshow’s success was not accidental. It was driven by strategic planning, cultural empathy, and expert ground-level execution. The involvement of Global Destinations, representing General Travel in India, ensured that every detail—from logistics to stakeholder engagement—was handled with care and professionalism. Their efforts allowed the Kiwi delegation to focus on what mattered most: building trust, understanding Indian travelers’ evolving preferences, and laying the groundwork for future growth.
Industry experts believe that such events are more than just business gatherings; they are catalysts for change. They shape future travel trends, open new channels for collaboration, and encourage innovation on both sides. As Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, eloquently put it,
“Every handshake at these events is a new stitch in the evolving fabric of our travel future.”This sentiment captures the essence of what these initiatives truly represent—a commitment to building lasting relationships and creating opportunities that go far beyond a single event.
The roadshow also highlighted the growing sophistication of the Indian outbound travel market. Indian travelers are seeking more than just sightseeing; they want immersive, customized experiences that reflect their interests and values. New Zealand’s diverse offerings—from luxury lodges and cultural encounters to adventure activities and family-friendly tours—were showcased to meet these rising expectations. The positive feedback and enthusiasm from Indian travel agents suggest that demand for such experiences will only continue to grow.
Looking ahead, the possibilities are exciting. Imagine a future where direct ‘Bollywood-to-Bay-of-Islands’ charter flights become a reality, perhaps sparked by a friendly tandoori-pie cook-off at the next roadshow. While this may sound whimsical, it reflects the spirit of innovation and partnership that defines the evolving relationship between New Zealand and India.
In conclusion, the 5-city roadshow was not just a PR exercise—it was a milestone in the ongoing journey of collaboration, learning, and shared success. For those seeking to be part of this dynamic story, partnership queries and further information can be directed to DMCFinder. The connections forged here will continue to shape the future of New Zealand Tourism and the Indian outbound travel market for years to come.
TL;DR: General Travel New Zealand’s 5-city India roadshow wasn’t just another travel event—it’s a vivid case study in how destination brands and international partners (with a little grit and a lot of ingenuity) can connect, collaborate and inspire new waves of experiential, luxury, and sustainable travel between India and New Zealand.
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