Queenstown is ''a hidden gem'' about to be discovered by even more Europeans, as well as Middle Easterners and Africans, courtesy of a new alliance between Emirates airline and Qantas.
Emirates Australasia vice-president Barry Brown was welcomed by Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd and Tourism New Zealand Australia general manager Tim Burgess in the resort last week.
The visit occurred as Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee authorised a master co-ordination agreement between the airlines, opening the way to shared services on transtasman routes for five years.
Mr Brown, who was in the country as part of a Tourism NZ joint trade training initiative, enjoyed a golf course visit, gondola ride, scenic helicopter flight, several bungy sites and Central Otago's food and wine outlets.
''Queenstown is a hidden gem that reminds me so much of Europe with high peaks cradling picturesque towns and villages,'' he said.
''From skiing in the winter to leisurely summer pastimes, the Otago region offers everything from luxury touring through to full-on adventure enthusiasts.
''Our recently-approved transtasman partnership with Qantas will open Queenstown to the entire Emirates network, allowing ease of access for many more international visitors.''
Mr Budd said the alliance ''means that Emirates will now be able to offer Queenstown as a destination to their customers around the world.''
