Digital Voting Now Live for 101 Must-Dos

Media Release

Digital Voting Now Live for 101 Must-Dos

Auckland, October 7 2012 – With recent research revealing almost 70% of New Zealanders are committed to seeing more of their country, AA Tourism is excited to launch the 2012 101 Must-Dos for Kiwis.

National pride is high on the agenda as Kiwis are encouraged to cast their vote online from today by choosing from a menu of over 1600 best-loved attractions and destinations on the AA Tourism website (www.aatravel.co.nz/101). Voting closes on 15 November with winners announced on 25 November.

The iconic public voting campaign attracted 200,000 votes when first launched in 2006 and the results of the 2012 list will be highly anticipated by industry and travellers alike.

Research conducted immediately after the release of the 2006 101 Must-Do’s for Kiwis list confirmed that 71% of respondents cited the list as positively influencing their decision to travel so there’s a great deal at stake for tourism operators vying to get a foothold on the list or maintain their previous ranking.

GM Marketing for AA Tourism, Rebecca Cherry says; “The 101 Must-Do’s List is already generating friendly industry rivalry and lots of positive community engagement. We all love talking about and planning our holidays and that’s why we believe that Kiwis will embrace the opportunity to cast their vote.

“We know from recent research that 69%* of Kiwis would like to travel more domestically and that 62%* of us research our holidays online so engaging people in the ‘101 Must-Do’s’ online poll is a perfect way to increase awareness of New Zealand’s diverse domestic travel offering,” she says.

Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association applauds the initiative:

“The AA Tourism’s 101 Must-Do’s List is exactly the sort of positive engagement we need. Many people aren’t aware that domestic tourism generates $36m** in activity every day for our economy resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs throughout New Zealand.”

The 101 Must-Do’s refreshed website and new Facebook app means it has never been easier to vote. Keen photographers are being encouraged to upload photos and win some great prizes.

In addition to supporting their favourite ‘Must-Do’ attraction or destination, voters go into the draw to win the Ultimate Kiwi Holiday valued at $10,000.

Milford Sound was voted top of the original 101 Must-Do’s list in 2006 followed by Doubtful Sound and Bay of Islands. It’s anyone’s guess as to which destinations/attractions will take the top spots in the 2012 list but one thing is for sure the list announcement on 25 November will be highly anticipated.

As further inspiration to explore New Zealand, AA Tourism are launching voucher books crammed full of unique offers for both the South and North Island attractions in conjunction with their 101 Must-Do’s list. These will be distributed via AA Centres, Caltex Service Stations, selected rental car and campervan companies and to selected AA members via AA Directions magazine.

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