Chinese celebrity chef showcases Taupō to millions

Taupō’s tourism attractions were featured in an episode of China’s most popular food and travel show, Chef Nic, that aired in China recently.

More than 33.5 million viewers watched the show in which Chinese superstar chef Nicholas Tse is seen sailing on Lake Taupō and enjoying a hangi and cultural performance at Wairakei Terraces.

The 50-minute episode featured Chef Nic and celebrity friend, G.E.M (Gloria Tang) experiencing and tasting regional delights.

"This is my first time to New Zealand. It's like a wonderland. I feel like a kid running into a candy shop," says Chef Nic star, Nicholas Tse. "The people are so warm and gentle, and they are so proud of being Kiwi. Everyone is so nice to us, I'm so happy to be here. I love the country."

Guest star G.E.M became the only Asian artist to feature in the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Music) in 2016. She has a substantial social media following round 24 million onChinese social media platform, Weibo.

The episode has an estimated advertising value (EAV) of more than NZ$20 million.

Tourism New Zealand says the impact and influence of New Zealand featuring on a show such as
Chef Nic is significant for the tourism industry.

"China is a hugely valuable visitor market for New Zealand, with Chinese visitors contributing around $1.4 billion to the New Zealand economy each year," saysTourism New Zealand's General Manager - Asia, Gregg Wafelbakker.

"As a trusted and influential icon in China, the audience reach from Chef Nic is huge for our industry. In a matter of days the episode has reached the equivalent of almost seven times the entire population of New Zealand, showing our second-largest market a realistic picture of what a New Zealand holiday could look like - and it looks great.”

Destination Great Lake Taupō worked closely with Tourism New Zealand to bring Chef Nic to Taupō.

"We're really excited about the exposure Great Lake Taupō had in the Chef Nic show. China is very much an emerging market for us, so it's wonderful to see Chef Nicshowcasing the experiences our Chinese visitors love - fresh local food, our Maori culture and our spectacular lake and mountain scenery," says Anna McLaren, Marketing and Communications Manager, Destination Great Lake Taupō.

"We're looking forward to seeing an increase in Chinese visitors to Great Lake Taupō who want to follow in the footsteps of Chef Nic, and with the opening of a new Chinese restaurant this month we will be even more appealing to Chinese visitors.”

Destination Great Lake Taupō has launched a Chinese New Year campaign aimed at attracting Chinese New Zealanders to visit Taupō during their annual holiday season.

“We are asking Chinese New Zealanders to come to Taupō and experience our region like Chef Nic did. They too can experience our beautiful scenery, delicious local cuisine and the many tourist attractions we have on offer.”

Tourism New Zealand has partnered with online travel company, Fliggy to promote Chef Nic inspired travel to New Zealand. Chef Nic's full itinerary now also features on newzealand.com.

ENDS.

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