The Kiwis are coming! Make your property their nest away from home

By Sam Steel, Co-Founder, Resly

In September last year, Queensland Airports Group signed a deal with Qantas Group that will see the Gold Coast become the most connected Australian airport to New Zealand by June this year.

The partnership will see Jetstar operating services between Hamilton and Dunedin in New Zealand and the Gold Coast Airport (OOL), with three flights each week that will expand its Trans-Tasman connection to six. Additionally, Air New Zealand has been operating daily flights from Auckland to the Gold Coast, including two flights on Saturday, and also offers twice-weekly services from Christchurch. In all, we can expect to see an increase in New Zealanders seeking the perfect getaway to the Gold Coast. With nearly a million Kiwis crossing the Tasman each year, now is the perfect time to plan the best ways to ensure your property stands out and becomes the top choice for our oceanic neighbours seeking to enjoy the best of the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast has everything a sun-starved Kiwi could dream of - beaches and National Parks, theme parks, a world-class casino, markets, shopping and adventure activities. It’s not a hard sell, so what can you do to make sure you stand out from the crowd when it comes to visitors selecting accommodation for their stay?

1. Turn off-peak into opportunity

With winter temperatures on the Gold Coast averaging a balmy 10° - 20° warmer than New Zealand’s chilly months, it’s the perfect time to entice Kiwis seeking a sunny escape. These months are prime for filling your rooms with Vitamin D-deprived travellers craving warmer, brighter days.

Leverage the power of social media to precisely target New Zealanders ready to swap frost for fun. And with those direct flights from Dunedin on the horizon, now’s the time to highlight the Gold Coast’s unbeatable combination of sun, surf and relaxation! And most importantly, how your properties will provide the perfect setting to turn this escape into reality - offering comfort, convenience and the ultimate getaway experience.

By offering special packages or deals during these months, you’ll not only stand out but also make it easy to turn those sunny dreams into reality while boosting your bookings!

2. Power up and partner for success

Get creative! Consider innovative ways to collaborate with local tourism providers to boost success. By partnering up with airport transfer services or car rental companies, you may discover you can drive winter bookings and make your property the go-to choice.

Reach out to theme parks to create guest-exclusive packages or discounts.

Think locally - could the café next door provide enticing breakfast or coffee deals for your guests?

Additionally, take advantage of the benefits of partnering with OTAs, as they are excellent at targeting specific markets in a cost-effective manner and they have extensive reach. Expedia, for example, powers Air New Zealand’s booking platform, meaning collaborating with them could be an easy entrypoint to a wider Kiwi audience.

These partnerships can give you the edge over competitors and enhance your accommodation's appeal.

3. Take the Lead

According to Tourism Australia, booking lead times for travel from New Zealand to Australia are relatively short - six to twelve weeks - compared to other international destinations. This provides the perfect opportunity to capitalise on last-minute vacancies without cannibalising your existing bookings. By offering special deals during these offpeak times, you can attract New Zealand guests and efficiently fill any spaces you may have. By taking advantage of increased flights, creating strategic partnerships, and offering timely promotions, you can attract these sun-seeking travellers and fill your rooms with ease.

The Gold Coast’s natural beauty and exciting attractions are a big draw, and your property's unique appeal can truly set you apart.

Plan ahead, get creative and make this winter your busiest yet!