Tourism Industry Aotearoa Summit

Ākina Chief Executive, Nicola Nation, was proud to represent at the Tourism Industry Aotearoa summit, which focused on Visitor Experience (VX) in a changing world.

The event was an inspiring, energising, and uplifting day, filled with valuable insights on what tourism operators need to consider as we look towards 2050 and beyond.

The highlights included the engaging and experienced Amanda Stevens, who shared Kit-Kats and relatable stories about delivering exceptional customer experiences. Her key takeaway? Great customer experiences are both customisable and personal.

This was followed by Frances Valintine CNZM from academyEX, who gave a live demonstration of how smart AI tools 🤖 are transforming the ways Gen Z and Generation Alpha engage with the world. Annie Dundas further emphasised the importance of storytelling, reminding us that "we must be better at telling our story."

Aotearoa is often a once-in-a-lifetime destination for many international travellers who expend significant carbon on their journey here. Nicola spoke about how understanding and communicating your organisation’s positive impact can enhance customer experience while ensuring long-term sustainability 🌱. International visitors want to know that when they are here, they are contributing to a regenerative economy rather than harming our people or environment.

Nicola also provided numerous examples of how businesses can leverage their supply chains for positive impact, reminding the audience "we are all investors."