New Zealand’s national freight and regional operator KiwiRail has appointed three advisors to drive the next stage of growth in its tourism business.
Tourism New Zealand chair Kerry Prendergast, former Tourism New Zealand head George Hickton, and Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts were named to KiwiRail’s Tourism Advisory Committee on Wednesday.
“This is the first time we have appointed such a committee,” KiwiRail acting chief executive Todd Moyle said, “and it signals the start of a new era for our tourism business.”
New Zealand’s Government last year announced $80 million would be invested to add extra carriages, including premium carriages, on the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine rail tourism ervices, and to run the Coastal Pacific year-round.
Platforms are also being upgraded along the routes, the reservation system is being upgraded, and investments are being made in international marketing.
Moyle said the trio of expert advisors would help guide the operator to the next stage of its tourism growth program.
“We’re moving beyond just providing ships and trains to working with partners to develop tourism packages, attractions and activities that complement our journeys and champion tourism growth in the regions,” he said.
“We’re also benefiting from a global rail renaissance, with increased demand for travel where the journey itself becomes the experience.”