NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) signed a first-ever official tourism agreement between the two cities on February 17^th.

The agreement was formalized at an industry ceremony at kei Marae in Auckland, New Zealand, with NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon Associate Minister Hon. Peeni Henare, Auckland’s Hon. Mayor Phil Goff, ATEED Chief Executive Nick Hill.

The new two-year partnership will enable ATEED and NYC & Company to promote their respective destinations and focus on attracting visitation through an economical and collaborative exchange and includes reciprocal marketing and promotion over two years.

From the five boroughs of New York City to the four corners of T?maki Makaurau Auckland, this agreement will encourage each destinations’ communities to connect through storytelling, ideas, business opportunities, and contacts.

The new tourism partnership between New York City and Auckland comes as Air New Zealand prepares to launch a new non-stop service between Auckland and New York City, beginning in October 2020.

“It is gratifying to announce our newest city-to-city tourism partnership with Auckland, marking our first formal collaboration with a destination in the South Pacific. Auckland’s strong commitment to sustainability, arts & culture and culinary match New York City’s same focus. With the launch of Air New Zealand’s new non-stop service between Auckland and New York City commencing this Fall, there could be no better time for our cities to strategically align,” said NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon.