Air New Zealand Partners to Boost Chinese Tourism in 2025
Air New Zealand has unveiled a strategic partnership with Air China and Tourism New Zealand to attract more Chinese visitors to the country, committing over NZD 700,000 (USD 419,000) in marketing investment over the next year. The initiative aims to strengthen inbound tourism from one of New Zealand’s most important markets.
China currently ranks as New Zealand’s third-largest source of international visitors, representing around 8% of total arrivals. In the 12 months ending March 2025, Chinese tourist arrivals increased by 18% year-on-year, reaching 248,000.
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran emphasized the significance of the Chinese market, noting the importance of the airline’s long-standing Shanghai service. “This joint investment is an opportunity to further stimulate demand and grow tourism from China,” he said. Foran also revealed that Air New Zealand’s newly refurbished Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabins will occasionally serve the Shanghai–Auckland route, with a 33% increase in premium seat capacity starting in October 2025.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the partnership, calling it a vital move to revitalize the country’s tourism sector. “Stimulating demand from key markets like China is essential for creating jobs, supporting businesses, and driving prosperity across New Zealand,” Luxon said. He added that the partnership will help promote Aotearoa as a distinctive and welcoming destination, while deepening cultural and economic ties.
The collaboration reflects a coordinated effort to rebuild the visitor economy and position New Zealand as a top choice for Chinese travelers in the post-pandemic era.
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