Google and Tourism NZ create new layer on Google Earth
Google and Tourism New Zealand have announces a jointly created Google Earth site, which provides geographic and general information about New Zealand locations, visitor centres and scenic highlights.
NZ Minister of Tourism Damien O’Connor said it is a huge opportunity for Tourism New Zealand to be associated with Google Earth, adding that the partnership with Google could potentially expose the www.newzealand.com website to Google Earth’s 200 million unique users.
Tourism New Zealand’s official website has around 500,000 visitors in peak months, according to O’Connor.
Google has partnered with other organisations, such as National Geographic, the United Nations Environmental Program and Discovery Networks to develop layers for Google Earth in the past, but this is the first time the search engine giant has worked with a tourism organisation to create a layer, says Rob Shilkin, Google’s recently-appointed head of communications for Australia and New Zealand.
Tourism New Zealand has provided information for the “100% Pure New Zealand” layer, which graphically illustrates visitor centres, points of interest and bubbles on Google Earth.
There is also a link to www.newzealand.com
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps