Summary
Brisbane Airport and Auckland Airport co-hosted an event in Guangzhou to promote the 'Two Cities, One Trip' travel concept. Anthony Chicutini,
general manager, said the initiative reflects opportunities in Australia–New Zealand–China tourism and aviation cooperation,
with China identified as the most important market.
Commentary
The joint promotion by Brisbane and Auckland airports in Guangzhou represents a bid to capture the recovery dividend of Chinese outbound travel through hub collaboration. Before the pandemic, China was New Zealand's second-largest source of visitors, with around 400,000 arrivals a year; numbers have since recovered to about 60 percent of that level. A policy allowing Chinese visitors with Australian visas to apply for an NZeTA online has lowered the barrier for a single trip covering both countries.
However, New Zealand risks being 'siphoned off' by Australia – travellers may spend most of their time in Queensland, treating Auckland as little more than a transit point. For small and medium-sized New Zealand businesses, traditional destinations such as Rotorua and Queenstown need stronger connections with Brisbane flights and product packages tailored to independent Chinese travellers, rather than relying on group tours. Conversely, Auckland Airport's hub status could be enhanced by increased trans-Tasman frequencies.
Accommodation, car rental and activity operators in the North Island should proactively engage with Australian travel agencies to sell New Zealand as a 'deep extension' rather than an 'add-on'. Brisbane Airport's targeting of the South China market this time reflects Guangzhou's role as a key gateway to Australia. With China–Australia routes recovering relatively quickly, this offers a viable transit passenger channel for New Zealand's North Island.
Keywords: Brisbane Airport, Auckland Airport, Two Cities One Trip, tourism cooperation, Chinese travellers, air connectivity, visa facilitation, Southern Hemisphere
Source: Dayang Net
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
