A WeChat mini program promoting tourism in Auckland, New Zealand is launched on Nov 11 in Guangzhou. [Photo/southcn.com]

The launch ceremony for a WeChat mini program promoting tourism in Auckland, New Zealand, co-organized by WeChat and the Auckland Tourism, Events, and Economic Development (ATEED) took place on Nov 11 in Guangzhou.

As the year 2019 marks the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, the WeChat mini program is expected to boost tourism development between the two countries.

With a growing number of Chinese tourists traveling to New Zealand as solo tourists, the program will become an important platform linking these tourists with Auckland, according to New Zealand's Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis.

Being the largest city and transportation hub in New Zealand, Auckland has become the first step in the country for 70 percent of tourists to start their travels in the country.

Steve Armitage, a person in charge of ATEED, said that the program provides relevant information about Auckland and makes full use of the overseas Chinese living in the city to showcase the local culture and diverse tourism experiences.

Comments and recommendations by overseas Chinese living in Auckland in areas spanning dining, hotels, and travel experiences are available in the program. Coupons for entertainment and scenic spots are also provided.

Comments and recommendations by overseas Chinese living in Auckland in areas spanning dining, hotels, and travel experiences are available in the program. [Photo/southcn.com]

When arriving in Auckland, tourists can also use the live chat function in the program to communicate with locals to get more travel tips. A total of 900 local volunteers have been hired to answer the questions posed by Chinese tourists in a timely fashion.

Major events in each quarter will be launched in the program, as well as interactive activities with prizes to attract more Chinese tourists to scenic areas and shops.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting New Zealand in 2018 amounted to 450,000 with a year-on-year growth of 9.7 percent, making China New Zealand's second largest tourist source after Australia.

In 2018, Chinese tourists contributed about 7.4 billion yuan ($1.06 billion) to New Zealand's economy, becoming a major impetus to New Zealand's tourism.