A training day was organised by Tourism New Zealand on December 5 in Mumbai for 50 MICE staff from the various branches of Thomas Cook offices all over India. The programme was a part of the joint venture agreement signed by Tourism New Zealand and Thomas Cook to establish a multi-dimensional partnership. This partnership aims to amplify Tourism New Zealand’s offerings in the Business Events sector.
The training programme included ‘Destination Day’, wherein the participants from Thomas Cook and Tourism New Zealand engaged in activities and events based on the destination. This helped in establishing and improving team member awareness, perception and their knowledge of New Zealand. This also generated a deeper affinity to help team members’ position and message New Zealand with clients effectively.
Rajeev Kale, President and COO – MICE, Domestic and Sports Holidays, Thomas Cook, Meera Charnalia, Sr. VP – MICE, Thomas Cook, and Trish Abrahamson, Managing Director, Naturally New Zealand Holidays were present during the programme.
Kale said, “Our strategic intent at Thomas Cook MICE was to fuel the uptake for our key destination partners via in depth education-training of our MICE business reps- both sales and product. We hence conceptualised ‘New Zealand Day’, together with New Zealand Tourism, Immigration New Zealand and our Destination Management Company-Naturally new Zealand. The outcome was a highly engaging and participative platform that served to showcase experiences and on-ground facilities of New Zealand in a practical and tangible manner – a truly invaluable learning opportunity and a vibrant motivated MICE team. We were co-creators in this unique experience and I am truly appreciative of the efforts and support from Tourism New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand and Destination Management Partners.”
There was an interactive presentation on the destination conducted by Neha Bhola, Country Manager India for Tourism New Zealand. The presentation highlighted important cities, hotels, restaurants and conference venues; one can visit in New Zealand.
Steven Dixon, Regional Manager – South and South East Asia, Tourism New Zealand stated that moving forward Tourism New Zealand would be engaging in more joint corporate engagements to showcase New Zealand as an ideal business events destination. He said, “We have planned Joint corporate engagements in the month of February/March 2016 which will be the second activity in this partnership with Thomas Cook.”
