As New Zealand Travel Agents, it’s been an incredibly busy season for us and also for the accommodation hosts- the New Zealand Tourist providers in our network. Year after year, these dedicated people work long hours, especially in the mad peak season between December and February. Anyone who says it’s a lifestyle choice, has gotta be kidding!

Highs and Lows of being an accommodation provider

There are many highlights for these guys, but there are ‘lows’ as well. Imagine presenting a plush villa accommodation beautifully decorated for a Christmas straight out of a Dickens novel. Your guests turn up, take one look and leave – their kids don’t like it. It’s hard not to take it personally. On the other hand, we’ve had some accommodation hosts that have had so much fun with their guests, they really missed them when they leave.

New Zealand tourist providers going the extra mile

There’s a fantastic couple down in Christchurch who run a lovely B & B Lodge. They often arise at 4.00 am to prepare breakfast for guests with early morning flights. Sometimes, they need to stay up until 2.00am in the morning to receive their visitors from a late flight. Last year, this dedicated couple went on a 3-day break to Australia but saw nothing of the sights. Why? Because they slept for 3 days solid!

 

I love the hosts who will go the extra mile. We recently had customers at Ruby Bay in the Tasman. They arrived tired after a day on the road. The host drove them to their dinner in Mapua, then collected them after their meal. This added so much value to their overall New Zealand experience.

 

We recently sent a single lady from the States to stay at a property near Punakaiki. She didn’t have her own transport. How would she get from the Greymouth Railway Station to her accommodation. No worries, the owner and host of the property collected her and bought her back. The great thing for us, as travel agents, is being able to depend on our wonderful network in the industry. No challenge can be too big and it’s our job to find a solution. No matter how much you do for your customers, you’re only as good as your last effort.

 

When our hosts go the extra mile, we all win, honeymooners return with their children, then they return with their grandchildren Ultimately New Zealand wins! Lets hear it for the guides, the tour companies and accommodation providers of this beautiful little country!

 

Happy travelling