Tourism New Zealand and Philippine Airlines sign MoU to support carrier's new nonstop route

Philippine Airlines and Tourism New Zealand signed (14-Nov-2017) an MoU outlining activity to be delivered to support the carrier's new direct Manila-Auckland route, which is due to commence from 06-Dec-2017. Tourism New Zealand also entered JV partnerships with three Manila-based travel agents to support Filipino travel to New Zealand and extended its 'New Zealand Specialist Programme' to the region. The direct Manila-Auckland route replaces the previous Manila-Cairns-Auckland route. Tourism New Zealand CEO Stephen England-Hall said the addition of the direct route "marks a step-change for the market, making New Zealand more accessible than ever before" and the body is "confident it will immediately accelerate visitor numbers in both directions, as well as having broader benefits for business and trade." [more - original PR]