New Zealand 'to benefit from Singapore Airlines deal'

Tourism New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have reached a marketing agreement that is expected to provide major benefits for the Australasian country.

The agreement for the companies to jointly promote tourism to New Zealand on Singapore Airlines' flights will get underway on January 1st 2010 and will last for three years.

Each party has agreed to commit NZ$2 million (£890,000) to the initiative to fund promotional activities in key European and Asian markets including the UK, Germany, China and India.

There will also be New Zealand-themed broadcasts on Singapore Airlines' KrisWorld inflight entertainment system.

George Hickton, chief executive of the country's tourism agency, said: "Tourism New Zealand is delighted with the enhanced marketing opportunities that this agreement will provide.

"The proposed new activity with Singapore Airlines will significantly boost our ability to reach more travellers more often with key promotion messages and holiday offers."

The airline operates flights to Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand from Singapore.