Welcoming students and tourists to New Zealand as China re-opens borders

The successful local engagement – which was held both in person and via live stream – had nearly 60 school principals and educators attending in person and attracted more than 21,000 views (you can watch the presentation in Chinese language here). 

The study tour forum was a part of the 2022 Redefine Asian International Schools and Education Conference (RAISE) in Guangzhou (postponed from December 2022 due to COVID outbreak). The RAISE Conference attracted 500 senior school leaders and teachers from more than 200 bilingual and international schools to discuss together the future of the international education in China.  

The forum saw ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Greater China, Felix Ye present an overview of New Zealand education for attendees. While Tourism New Zealand’s Strategic Relationship Manager, Alfred Li, and South China Trade Manager, Sandy He, shared an update focused on tourism in New Zealand. 

Three Auckland-based operators from the education and tourism industry participated virtually and shared their knowledge. Gordon Chang, Founder, Southern Cross Ecotourism & Education Ltd spoke about the New Zealand ecotourism experience they offer their students. Fan Zhou, Director of Go New Zealand International Ltd spoke about how their study tour and short-term study programmes that are designed and developed for New Zealand schools, deliver both fun and education. Lisa Li, General Manager of China Travel Service (NZ) Ltd talked about their offering with over 20 years of award-winning tour services to Chinese customers.   

ENZ’s Regional Director Greater China, Michael Zhang said marking the first day of China’s borders re-opening with a forum to promote Aotearoa as a study and travel destination was both timely and symbolic.  

“The removal of quarantine for international arrivals in China has been eagerly anticipated by the education and tourism sectors. This was another example of excellent NZ Inc collaboration – thanks again to the Tourism New Zealand team!  

“We can now build on the work that NZ Inc and New Zealand providers have done while travel was restricted and step up our engagement with local partners in 2023. Chinese students and travellers are keen to get back out into the world, and we look forward to seeing New Zealand providers back in-market soon”.