Tourism Partners Launch Halal Guide to New Zealand

28 September, 2012
For immediate release

Tourism Partners Launch Halal Guide to New Zealand

Maximising the value offered by the world’s fastest growing tourism market is the objective behind a new publication from Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch International Airport.

The partners have today launched a new culinary tourism guide to New Zealand focussing on meeting the needs of Halal travellers.

The inaugural New Zealand Halal Guide to New Zealand provides general tourism information, together with a list of Halal classified restaurants and cafes, from halal-certified through to those which offer vegetarian dishes or vegan cuisine.

Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Asian Markets Tony Everitt says Muslim tourists’ expenditure is estimated to rise to more than 13 per cent of global tourism expenditure by 2020.

“The Muslim tourism market presents an enormous opportunity for the New Zealand industry, but Muslim travellers do have specific requirements, particularly in relation to food, space and facilities.

“Indonesia and Malaysia are two of our key growth markets and have been identified in the top ten Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries for Muslim outbound tourism expenditure. There are also identified Muslim tourism market opportunities for New Zealand in India and Singapore.

“Tourism New Zealand is committed to further enhancing New Zealand's position as a visitor destination in emerging Halal markets and this guide is about supporting the delivery of a quality visitor experience for travellers once they are here.”

Christchurch Airport General Manager of Aeronautical Business Development Matthew Findlay agrees, saying the guide is another way for New Zealand to attract Muslim travellers.

“We know Muslim travellers want to experience the South Island,” says Mr Findlay. “They, like many other international visitors, come to New Zealand for our stunning scenery and dramatic landscapes, which many get to glimpse as they fly into Christchurch over the Southern Alps. This guide also assures them they can find the food they prefer while they are here.”

“Muslim tourism is growing steadily. As an example, last month alone, we saw the number of Indonesian travellers 141 per cent up on last August. This 50-50 partnership with Tourism New Zealand demonstrates our commitment to niche markets of international travellers and our intention to make their visit to New Zealand the very best it can be.”

The New Zealand Halal Guide will be distributed internationally to travel trade and their customers, New Zealand Embassies and other key offshore partners.

It will also be distributed to travel agents and consumers at key offshore events attended by Tourism New Zealand. An online version will be posted on Tourism New Zealand’s consumer and trade websites.

Next week (from 3 October), Tourism New Zealand kicks off a five-venue series of workshops for the tourism industry, with the aim of providing information and advice on how to meet the needs and expectations of the Halal and Chinese markets.

To register for a China and Halal Tourism workshop, visit www.tourismnewzealand.com under Upcoming Events.

To view a copy of the guide visit Tourism New Zealand’s Corporate Website http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/marketing-toolbox/halal-culinary-guide/

ENDS

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