The Sunshine State brings a lot to the table outside of the gateway cities and with more Kiwis arriving than ever before, the tourism board wants visitors to spread out and enjoy the regional highlights, writes Rebecca Emery. 

 

Last year a record number of Kiwis visited California, a staggering 174,619 people, and 2011 is tracking similar growth.

 

The Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com has four US cities in the top ten international destinations for Kiwis during the first half of 2011. Las Vegas was the most popular with San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles also ranking.

 

Visit California account director Tristan Freedman
said California represents good value for Kiwis and it remains the strongest American destination for Kiwi travellers the key for trade going forward is adding on some extra nights outside of the gateway cities.

 

“Kiwis know about Los Angeles and San Francisco but our key message is to explore the entire state – get in a car and drive.”

 

He said clients going to Los Angeles and Disneyland could drive a couple of hours to San Diego and see the zoo, Seaworld and Legoland. They could also check out resort city Palm Springs for a couple of nights.

 

“It is about showcasing the beauty of fly and drive such as the coastal drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, trips to Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe.”

 

Freedman also recommended a stay in Napa Valley. The region has a huge range of wineries and offers food, spas, golf and hot springs. It is a one and a half hour drive from San Francisco.

 

To bone up on driving distances, regional highlights and suggested itineraries the California Expert programme, which was launched last year, equips trade with the knowledge to sell the state backwards said Freedman.

 

Adventure World has also tapped into the authentic experiences offered by the state with a new range of trips.

 

“North America is one of those destinations that’s just so diverse,” said Adventure World marketing manager Melissa Harris.

 

“That diversity is something that has been showcased in our latest collection of tours to North America – a collection we’re proud to say offers up a huge variety of experiences.” 

 

The three-day California Wine Country self-drive tour is priced from $522 and explores the lush vineyards, gentle pastoral landscapes and rolling hills of the Napa and Sonoma wine country.

 

It will also be a big 2012 for San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge celebrating its 75th anniversary with 75 tributes throughout the year.

 

The city will host a range of celebrations in conjunction with the Bay Area Discovery Museum, California Academy of Sciences, California Historical Society, Exploratorium, Golden Gate Brass Band and YMCA San Francisco. Most events will be free.

 

In theme park news, Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts 

 

Have confirmed that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – a fully immersive environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – will open at Universal Studios Hollywood. The opening date had not been announced as Traveltrade went to print.

 

traveltrade.visitcalifornia.com

www.adventureworld.co.nz