Air New Zealand Eyes More Indian Travellers

Air New Zealand is looking to tap into India’s growing travel market, banking on friends-and-family visits and cricket to drive traffic, CEO Greg Foran told ET.

In 2024, over 83,000 people travelled from India to New Zealand, with half visiting friends and family, a trend driven by the rising number of Indian students in the country.

The Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which makes up 6 per cent of the population, plays a crucial role in this demand. Many travellers visit for personal reasons, while others come for business, conferences, and education. Over 59,000 Indian students were studying in New Zealand as of 2024, contributing to steady travel flows as their families visit.

Tourism New Zealand CEO René de Monchy said India ranks fifth among the country’s top inbound markets, behind Australia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Indian arrivals grew 15 per cent year-on-year in 2024, and a 20 per cent increase is expected this year, driven by rising leisure travel demand.

New Zealand and India will mark 100 years of sporting ties in 2026, with cricket taking centre stage. India will host New Zealand for three ODIs, followed by the Indian men’s team touring New Zealand for another ODI series and other sporting events. Officials see this as an opportunity to boost tourism between the two nations.