30 September 2008

NZ voted 'Country of the Year'

The New Zealand Government has praised the travel industry for receiving yet another award for tourism. Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said in a press release he is proud his country is being recognised so often in the international travel industry for its continued excellence.

The long-time running Australian travel show Getaway has labelled New Zealand 'Country of the Year 2008', because its diverse nature as a travel destination, natural beauty, thriving Indigenous and modern cultures, gourmet food and wine and wealth of unique travel experiences make it a world-class travel destination.

"It's great that our international visitors are recognising the diversity and uniqueness of New Zealand as a tourism destination. This award shows that our tourism industry is delivering a high-quality experience to visitors," Mr O’Connor said in his statement.

The Regional Manager of Tourism New Zealand, Barry Eddington, said, "Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand are distinctly different, boasting beautiful landscapes, adventure, luxury and a wide range of activities and events throughout the year."

John Walsh, Executive Producer of Getaway said, “In our view, New Zealand ticks all the boxes of an ideal holiday location. New Zealand is raw and sophisticated at the same time”.

New Zealand also recently won Best Holiday Destination Worldwide by readers of the British Daily Telegraph and the UK’s Conde Nast Award for higher-end travel.

A report from New Zealand’s Labour Department showed that around 10,000 British residents took advantage of the New Zealand working holiday visa during 2007.  British nationals on a New Zealand working holiday visa can work and holiday in the country for up to 12 months, and then apply for an 11 month extension.

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The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people emigrate to New Zealand.

Article by Jessica Bird, New Zealand Visa Bureau.