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National | India

NZ Māori Tourism gains new insights into Indian visitor market

NZ Māori Tourism has gained new insights of how to capitalise on the Indian visitor market. Recently a 35-strong business delegation traveled with PM John Key to India to capture a better understanding of one of New Zealand's largest international visitor

Music rich in culture.

CE of NZ Māori Tourism Pania Tyson-Nathan says it's a reminder for New Zealand to impress its visitors with a unique and indigenous approach.

Pania Tyson-Nathan says, “Be themselves. Be genuine and authentic.”

Indian visitation to New Zealand is steadily growing with a total of almost 49,000 this year, making the Indian market a valuable source for the New Zealand tourism industry.

“To offer family based type activities,” says Tyson-Nathan.

India is fast becoming a trillion dollar market, with huge opportunities for Māori businesses. Tyson-Nathan says this makes it even more important for Māori to understand the needs and wants of this country.

Pania Tyson-Nathan –says, “When you have those types of insights it prepares you for the experiences you might provide them to the India Market.”

One way for Māori to really get a foot into the Indian market is to understand India's people and their culture. In many ways Māori and Indian are similar.

New Zealand is discussing a Free Trade Agreement with India as a way to improve access and costs.