Tell us a little about XperieNZ Limited:
Founded in 2013. For over 12 years, XperieNZ has been a trusted premium DMC partner. Our longevity means proven supplier relationships, crisis readiness, and operational depth. Advisors know their clients are in safe hands with us. XperieNZ creates journeys that advisors can sell with confidence. Founded in 2013, we design luxury New Zealand experiences that are immersive, personal, and well-paced. Clients feel cared for from arrival to departure, and advisors benefit from delighted travellers who return home raving and eager to rebook.

We are advisor-first. Whether it’s a fully bespoke FIT journey with XperieNZ or a curated small-group experience with South of 34°, our job is to make advisors’ work easier and their clients’ trips unforgettable. That is the heart of our brand.

Please share a little about the culture of your organization and what resonates with you most as a team member:
Our culture is rooted in hospitality. We live by Atithi Devo Bhava (the guest is God) and Manaakitanga (care and welcome). For advisors, this means clients feel genuinely cared for and return with memories that last a lifetime — which becomes loyalty and referrals for the advisor.

What unique value proposition sets your brand apart from the competition?
We make advisors look good. Every journey is immersive, well-paced, and personal. Clients do not just tick off New Zealand — they come home raving. That drives repeats and referrals. One Virtuoso advisor said it best: 'The Zuckers asked me to find an operator like Kumar.'

Do you offer a training program?
No modules. No portals. Just personal support. We offer one-to-one Zooms to help advisors with client briefs, itinerary design, and sales strategy. We also run group sessions and webinars on New Zealand trends and seasonal planning. Advisors get direct access and practical help that wins them business.

Share a success story when working with Travel Agency Owners:
Advisors succeed when their clients are delighted. One Virtuoso advisor brought us her first New Zealand booking: a one-week luxury trip for a family with different priorities, confirmed only six weeks out. We joined calls with her clients, refined the plan, and secured suppliers. The family loved it. The advisor now confidently sells New Zealand.

What is new and exciting that you're looking forward to sharing with this year's delegates?
South of 34°: Luxury Curated Small Group Journeys. Intimate and premium, curated with the same care as bespoke FIT but delivered in a small-group format. Each journey includes 4.5–5-star stays, private experiences, and smart pacing. Advisors get a first-of-its-kind product that is easy to sell and makes them stand out.

The travel industry is forever evolving.  What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel agency owners and their teams' sales efforts?
Multi-day journeys are back — but travellers want them reimagined. They are choosing longer, well-paced, meaningful trips instead of highlight reels.

Our response is South of 34°. Positioned at USD 1,100–1,555 per person per day on land, it sits between bespoke FIT and mass-market tours. Perfect for discerning clients who want culture, connection, and comfort.

As one guest wrote: 'The memories you helped create have given us joy for months, and will for many years.' This is the kind of meaning travellers now seek.

What are your traditional commission structures?
XperieNZ FIT: Flexible. We recommend 10–15% and work with advisors to fit the client profile.
South of 34°: Fixed on retail. 15% standard, with tiered opportunities for engaged partners. Advisors get clarity, consistency, and competitive earnings.

Why should travel agency owners encourage their frontline sales force to book your brand as a preferred partner?
Because we make New Zealand easy to sell. With XperieNZ, advisors gain flexibility and deep local expertise. With South of 34°, they have a curated premium product with clear commissions. In both cases, clients return thrilled — giving advisors loyalty, referrals, and repeat bookings.

What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel advisors; and do they integrate into current available technologies?  If yes, which ones?
Client-ready itineraries, advisor-first tools. Every trip is delivered digitally and paperless, then converts to a simple mobile app guests love using. Advisors can request white-labeled versions so the journey reflects their brand. No learning curve, no clunky systems — just polished, modern itineraries that impress clients.

Simple and personal. Advisors book directly with us by email. Proposals and confirmations are handled quickly, with Zoom or phone support as needed. During travel, we remain available for in-country assistance. No portals. No logins. Just direct access and reliable support.

When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
Direct, fast, clear. Advisors communicate with us directly — no call centers, no layers. We respond quickly, often the same day, across time zones. When helpful, we join Zoom calls with advisors and their clients to explain New Zealand. Responsiveness isn’t a process for us. It’s partnership.