Working Internationally

Most businesses will start their promotions within New Zealand, and some then move to a more international focus as their product develops.

Working in the international environment offers you a lot of benefits, but will come at a cost. If successful, it is a great way to ensure visitors come throughout the year and to increase your visitor numbers.

To work within an international distribution chain does not mean that you have to travel offshore. Inbound operators (IBO) have established relationships within our major international markets and work on behalf of the operators to sell New Zealand itineraries in wholesaler brochures. Working with an IBO can save you time, money and headaches!

A key thing to remember is that there is a cost to working within the international marketplace and distribution channels. Operators must include commission in their pricing structures if they want to work successfully in the international marketplace.

The following are just some of the criteria you’ll need to meet before you start promoting your product internationally.

• Is your product well accepted in New Zealand?
• Have you got a clearly identified target market?
• Do you have a website?
• Do you have 24-hour phone and email servicing?
• Have you got your pricing structures finalised, and commission rates agreed?
• Do you have a plan for the growth of your business ie. increasing facilities, staffing etc.
• Do you have a full range of marketing materials?
• Are you working with your local RTO and i-SITE?
• Do you have the appropriate health and safety standards in place?
• Has your business been quality assessed by an independent third party quality rating system, for example Qualmark?