India continues to be one of New Zealand’s priority growth markets, as reflected in this year’s edition of Kiwi Link India, Tourism New Zealand’s flagship trade event aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a premier, year-round destination for Indian travellers.
Held in Goa from July 20 to 23, the four-day trade event brought together 75 leading travel buyers from across India and 49 New Zealand tourism businesses. The event was structured to deepen commercial partnerships, enhance trade capability and boost consideration for New Zealand as a destination suited for travel throughout the year, rather than during specific seasons alone.
The initiative continues to build strong momentum, with New Zealand recording Indian arrivals at 125 percent of 2019 levels in the year ending May 2026. Visitor expenditure for the same period also rose sharply, reaching NZD 229 million—nearly 49 percent higher than pre-pandemic figures, underscoring the growing value of the Indian market to New Zealand’s tourism economy.
Speaking on the event’s success, Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Director Asia, Gregg Wafelbakker, said Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences centred around culture, adventure, culinary discovery and wellness, rather than conventional holidays. He noted that New Zealand is well-positioned to meet these evolving expectations, and that Kiwi Link India reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with trade partners, sharing market intelligence and building confidence in promoting the destination.
Kiwi Link India builds on more than two decades of trade engagement between Tourism New Zealand and the Indian travel industry, consistently fostering commercial relationships, expanding destination knowledge and helping shape travel experiences aligned with shifting traveller preferences. As Tourism New Zealand continues to invest in India, the event remains a central pillar of its broader trade strategy, aimed at converting rising interest into long-term visitation growth.
Applications and updates for Kiwi Link India 2027 are expected to be announced in due course, with prospective participants advised to monitor Tourism New Zealand’s official channels for details on the event prospectus and application timelines.