GET IN THE KNOW WITH TOURISM NEW ZEALAND

Tourism New Zealand has revised and reworked its online trade training program and has launched a new 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Program. The specialist program is a core part of Tourism New Zealand’s work with travel agents and offers travel professionals the chance to build in-depth destination knowledge, get the latest product updates and in turn, grow their New Zealand sales. Gregg Anderson, general manager Western Markets, says the enhanced program, combined with in market training, offers travel sellers the most effective and efficient training possible for improving their knowledge on New Zealand and the tourism product available. “The program has been run in different forms for a number of years and has evolved significantly over that time,”says Anderson. “With this revision we have developed new interactive online training modules to make them more dynamic, visually engaging and easier to use.”The program also has a new name and logo – 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Program, bringing it in line with Tourism New Zealand’s global marketing campaign. In order to become a 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist, agents need to complete 10 of the new training modules, attend a Tourism New Zealand led training session and visit New Zealand. Specialist status is then granted for two years. After two years, agents’ specialist status will automatically roll-over provided agents have completed a further two modules and attended an additional Tourism New Zealand training session since gaining specialist status. (http://www.newzealand.com/travel/trade/trade-homepage.cfm)