Initiative to support domestic tourism

A new tourism industry initiative is set to bring domestic operators together in a bid to reinvigorate the industry in a post-COVID environment.

The initiative, which is the brainchild of Jucy CEO Tim Alpe, will allow domestic tourism companies and the hospitality industry to upload promotions targeting New Zealand travellers to a central website.

Kiwis travelling around the country in the coming months will be able to access the site and take advantage of the offers.

Alpe says there has been a high level of enthusiasm for the programme from all of the industry operators contacted to date. “In the past couple of days, we have contacted about 20 attractions, activities, food and beverage, tours and accommodation businesses around the country. Every one of them has said they will submit an offer which is aimed at encouraging Kiwis to travel the country.

“What this will mean for Kiwi travellers is a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s best travel experiences at a time when there are fewer visitors and significantly reduced prices. As an example, Kiwis will be able to experience the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall with a $50 discount from Kaituna Cascades or a bucket list skydive over Taupo from 15,000 feet – for just $309, a $50 saving with Skydive Taupo,” he says.

Alpe says that this is about ‘mates helping mates’ at a time when this sector of our economy is at its most vulnerable. 

He says Jucy has also launched very competitive domestic pricing packages on campervan rental and will also offer Kiwis the opportunity to take their dogs with them on their road trip. The company has also launched a referral program where customers access a 20 percent off promo code for their friends, as well as bundling accommodation at Jucy Snooze with car rentals to help Kiwis on a budget or business travellers short on time. 

Alpe says they expect the initiative to remain in place over the long term – beyond the current international restrictions.

“In recent years the New Zealand tourism industry has focused much of its marketing efforts on the international traveller. Every operator is now faced with increased costs trying to individually promote their business to the domestic market. 

“What we are now wanting to establish off the back of the pandemic is a centralised marketing resource that removes some of the need to duplicate this promotional spend. We will also upload suggested travel itineraries on to https://deals.jucy.com/ to help Kiwis to plan their holidays around the country.

Alpe says the website has been developed in house by the Jucy team and is free for both operators and the public to place and access travel deals. He says the first stage of the initiative will be to spread the word among local operators, encouraging them to add their tourism offers, before the Jucy deals site goes live to the public ahead of the July school holidays.