China Southern officials are welcomed by Queenstown’s Kapa Haka Group and Mark Quickfall, Steve Sanderson and Glen Wedlock
	Chinese delegation aboard TFF Earnslaw

“Queenstown is so beautiful, once you’re here, you don’t want to leave.  Everything is so natural.”  That was the first reaction of China Southern Airline Chairman, Si Xianmin who was visiting the resort today (Tuesday, April 12) as part of a 70 strong Chinese delegation familiarizing themselves with New Zealand as a tourism destination. 

Hosted by Auckland and Queenstown Airports, the group includes representatives from China Southern Airlines, government officials, outbound tourism operators and Chinese media organizations who flew to New Zealand on the inaugural direct China Southern Airlines flight between the city of Guangzhou and Auckland.

Some of Queenstown’s world-class activities were on show throughout the day as delegates experienced Shotover Jet, lunched at Botswana Butchery, cruised on the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoyed a trip to historic Arrowtown and visited Millbrook, the international golf resort.

China Southern Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world and Asia’s biggest. Its new alliance with Auckland Airport currently delivers three direct flights per week extending to daily flights starting later this year.  

The strategic alliance between Queenstown and Auckland Airports meant there was much opportunity for Queenstown from the new services according to Queenstown Airport CEO Steve Sanderson.

“China Southern Airlines is committed to promoting New Zealand and Queenstown, and their commitment of $10million in promotion, and now to extend their thrice weekly flights to daily from Guangzhou to Auckland has huge economic benefits for Queenstown.  China Southern Airlines presents a direct pipeline into the fastest growth market,” he said.

The group leaves for Wellington tomorrow as part of its three city New Zealand tour. 

Key facts:

• China Southern (CZ) has commenced a three times a week A330-200 (218 seat four class) direct services per week between Guangzhou and Auckland arriving in Auckland at 1520 on Saturday 9th April, 2011. This is to be extended to daily flights later this year.
• China Southern Airlines has to date spent almost $10 million promoting New Zealand as a tourism destination for Chinese travellers.
• New Zealand currently welcomes 123,000 visitors from China each year, making it New Zealand's fourth-largest visitor market after Australia, the UK and USA, and it is the fastest growing market.
• Chinese visitors are amongst the highest spending visitors to NZ – spending on average more per night than any other visitor with exception of Japan. With average expenditure per night of holiday visitors at over $300 per night we know these new flights will bring a significant increase the export earnings for New Zealand.
• Asia is now the biggest travel market in the world and forecast to grow the fastest over the next 20 years (IATA) with air-links being a critical component for accessing that potential growth.
• China is currently New Zealand’s fourth largest visitor market after Australia, UK and US but as it is the fastest growing meaning it could be number two or three before long.