Air New Zealand Vacations Offers FAM With VAX

Air New Zealand Vacations wants to say “Kia Ora” (Thanks) to its many potential travel agent partners on VAX VacationAccess by announcing a month-long spotlight on agents within VAX, as well as a VAX-only familiarization tour of New Zealand later this year.

Air New Zealand Vacations also reports it has expanded its marketing support in its Supplier Showcase on the VAX platform to ensure travel agents are “good as gold” selling its expansive product.

“As Air New Zealand focuses on helping travel agents become experts on selling South Pacific vacations, it makes perfect sense for us to utilize the largest community of travel agents on one platform,” said Roger Poulton, vice president, Air New Zealand-the Americas. “We look forward to building our relationship with VAX VacationAccess travel agents and continuing to explore new and creative ways to appeal to their customers.”

Not only will Air New Zealand Vacations expand its content for travel agents and provide promotional offers as part of VAX VacationAccess’ “National Plan a Vacation Week” event, it will host a familiarization tour for select VAX travel agents in May. The best way to learn about Air New Zealand’s destinations is to experience them, says VAX.

The focus for VAX travel agents will be activities and sightseeing, as well as Air New Zealand’s new in-flight product. Those who are interested in this must-see destination should apply for the FAM tour at www.VAXVacationAccess.com.

“Following the earthquake that heavily damaged Christchurch City and Lyttelton in February, it is important for Americans to know that New Zealand is fully operational in all other cities,” said Becky Capper, director of vendor and partner development for VAX VacationAccess.

“Travel agents should feel comfortable in assuring travelers that New Zealand is more than safe and accessible. We can’t wait for agents to see firsthand how beautiful New Zealand is, along with the innovative comfort unique to Air New Zealand’s amazing new planes,” Capper said.

Air New Zealand recently took delivery of the new Kiwi-designed Boeing 777-300ER, with seating configurations only offered on Air New Zealand. Flying between Los Angeles, Auckland and London starting April 1, 2011, the new planes have the interior look and feel of private jets with economy seats called “Skycouches.”

In premium economy, the “Spaceseat” is a new concept providing privacy through the angle of the seats. Inner space is reserved for couples and outer space for individuals both allowing unmatched comfort. Business premier class offers a true life-flat seat six feet seven inches long.

Air New Zealand says it will talk about all of this at the Cruise3Sixty conference, organized by the Cruise Lines International Association April 14-18, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Air New Zealand, VAX VacationAccess and Tourism New Zealand will be on hand to speak to travel agents. Growing cruise content, connections, and pre- and post-travel is important to both organizations in 2011.

VAX VacationAccess is the largest online selling platform for leisure travel agents and gives vacation suppliers a variety of ways to reach qualified travel agents. VAX is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a year-long celebration dedicated to the travel agents and travel suppliers that have been the backbone of VAX’s growth and success.

Throughout the year, VAX and supplier sponsors will feature special drawings, supplier offers and incentives. Agents can find information about special anniversary drawings and offers on www.VAXVacationAccess.com.