China Southern, Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Airport have signed a new joint agreement to increase tourism between China and New Zealand.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the second day of a four day famil tour for 250 of China Southern’s top agents, the partnership will see China Southern and New Zealand work together to develop awareness in the Auckland and China markets as well  as create demand for China Southern’s Canton route.

Auckland Airport chief executive Adrian Littlewood said the agreement marks the next phase of relations with China Southern and expects the arrangement to strengthen the commitment between New Zealand and the airline.

“We realise the significant opportunity for New Zealand tourism in assisting China Southern to expand its service with Auckland, and we are thrilled the airline has reciprocated by pledging its commitment to New Zealand in the form of the MOU agreement,” he said.

The delegation of 250 travel agents visiting New Zealand will spend up to five day travelling New Zealand including visits to the Bay of Islands, Hobbiton movie set and Waikato.