Following the return of Travellers Choice's
Choice Awards program last year, some of the network's top agents recently jetted off to New Zealand on a Reward Trip to Rotorua – one of the world's most culturally and environmentally unique destinations.
Hosted by New Zealand wholesale specialist ANZCRO, the itinerary was not for the faint-hearted, with the agents visiting the steaming geothermal pools at Waiotapu ('sacred waters'), flying through forest with Off Road NZ and traversing high-altitude swing bridges with Canopy Tours. The group also explored Lake Rotoiti on The Airstream Project, a 9.2-meter pontoon vessel that sports a design inspired by "a classic 1960’s Airstream trailers, second world war aircraft and Italian speed boats".
Between activities, the agents – the first to enjoy a luxurious stay at the five-star Hana Lodge – found time to immerse themselves in local Maori culture at Te Pā Tū ('The Gathering Place') and to relax in the Wai Ariki ('chiefly waters') Hot Springs & Spa, where they experienced traditional Ngāti Whakaue healing practices.
The immersive and uniquely Kiwi holiday was made possible thanks to ANZCRO’s partnership with RotoruaNZ, Rotorua’s regional tourism organisation.
RotoruaNZ International Manager Lou Baddiley says the local tourism industry was delighted to forge a bond with Travellers Choice members.
“We were thrilled to witness the agents' love for Rotorua blossom as they immersed themselves in our culture, experienced our renowned manaakitanga (hospitality), and wholeheartedly embraced the plethora of activities and sights our city has to offer," says Baddiley.
All of the agents taking part in the journey were recipients of Travellers Choice's annual Choice Awards, which recognise 30 top-performing members based on their support of the network's preferred suppliers. Over the next few months, Choice Award winners will also travel with Adventure World to Vietnam and bask on a private atoll in the Maldives as guests of Club Med.
As well as offering a fun way for members to enhance their destination knowledge, the Choice Award trips provide invaluable opportunities for Travellers Choice members to create and renew bonds with their peers.
Michelle Shea from Perth's City Beach Travel & Cruise says the ANZCRO excursion helped her return to work "refreshed and motivated.
"To be able to have conversations with like-minded agents in a casual setting; to be reminded that you are not alone and that there are solutions to problems was incredibly beneficial," says Shea.
