Lodges of New Zealand take their 27 pieces of luxury to Shanghai

New Zealand’s finest collection of luxury lodges will be represented for the fifth consecutive year at an ‘invitation only’ tourism event to be held in Shanghai next month.

Capitalising on the ever growing emerging Asian tourist market, Lodges of New Zealand will be in Shanghai from June 4 to 7 to attend ILTM Asia, a tourism trade show where international suppliers do business with Asia Pacific luxury travel buyers.

Lodges of New Zealand is a group of 27 carefully-selected luxury lodges spanning the length and breadth of New Zealand, and is committed to executing a world-class standard of service.

Lodges of New Zealand Chairman Murray McCaw said attending ILTM displayed not only their commitment to catering for the aspirational Asian tourist, but also their commitment to “doing their bit” for New Zealand tourism as a whole.

“We’re determined to help grow that area of the market and get out there and make our contribution,” he said.

“When Lodges of New Zealand first began attending this trade show four or so years ago there was very little New Zealand interest.

“This year I believe there will be about ten New Zealand stands. This trade show is like no other when it comes to the inbound luxury tourist market and it’s imperative we maintain our presence.”

Mr McCaw said Lodges of New Zealand had been committed to the Asian market for many years and continued to see the benefits of investing in such an important trade event.

“We’re continuing our campaign to spread the word about our collection of spectacular accommodation and service offering, in some of New Zealand’s most exquisite locations.”

As a newly appointed Chairman for the association, Mr McCaw said he had taken on board comments recently made by Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler about the need for Kiwis to lift service levels and quality of experiences on offer in order to extend the average stay of the Asian visitor.

“Mr Bowler raised some good points when he talked about the importance of getting Asian visitors to stay longer and that the potential of this market is enormous,” he said.

“Luxury is not only about the property but the experience in its entirety. Each environment, coupled with the personal hosted experiences and services we offer at our collection of lodges, wraps that together.

“I’m extremely confident when I say Lodges of New Zealand members have the expertise and adaptability to deliver the service experience and comfort levels desired by the aspirational Asian tourist.”

Mr McCaw said New Zealand had an array of world class establishments providing a distinctive ‘typically Kiwi’ style of service sought after from people around the world.

“We believe the way to attract Asian tourists is to not try to imitate other tourist destinations, but rather show them the outstanding offering available in New Zealand.

“New Zealand will never be a glitzy Monaco, Paris or replicate the Gold Coast, but what we do have is open space, mountains and spectacular landscape all of which people from around the world have been visiting New Zealand to see for decades.

“Our presence at ILTM allows us to speak directly with Asian Pacific luxury travel buyers and help mould the expectations of Asian visitors who come here to experience what being Kiwi is all about.”

Mr McCaw said executing international standards of service and cuisine was second nature to Lodges of New Zealand hosts and owners.

“Our lodges provide an opportunity for visitors of any nationality to experience the finest Kiwi cuisine,” he said. “However we understand that each visitor may have a different cuisine preference, and that there is a lot of difference between a Japanese or Chinese breakfast, for example. Our lodges are easily able to adapt to this varied demand.

“Asian tourists have an expectation when it comes to service and we’re proud to provide this and the feedback we’ve received from Asian guests who have already visited our collection of lodges is telling us that we’re getting it right.

“We have one of the most unique natural environments in the world and every lodge location offers a piece of unique New Zealand landscape.”

For more information about the Lodges of New Zealand collection go to www.lodgesofnz.co.nz