Air New Zealand launches emoji travel tips

Users will be asked to comment on Air New Zealand #EmojiJourney Facebook or Twitter posts with a combination of emojis which would best describe their perfect New Zealand getaway. This will then automatically generate a link to a personalised map of New Zealand for them, with emojis highlighting points likely to be of interest.

Clicking on each of the emojis on the personalised map will provide more information about destinations and activities on offer - such as food and beverage hot spots, shopping, art and culture, adventure pursuits and things to do in the outdoors.

Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams says people, particularly millennials and Generation Z, love to use emojis in their day to day life and the #EmojiJourney is designed to inspire travel to and within New Zealand using social media.

"This is a fun and unique way to showcase New Zealand and our regions, from skiing at Ruapehu, rafting in Rotorua, or whale watching in Kaikoura, to the iconic Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, or some of the country's foodie hotspots. For example, if I wanted to head to one of New Zealand’s renowned wine regions I would enter the wine emoji.

"Our airline is committed to enhancing the customer experience and leading the way when it comes to innovation. #EmojiJourney will be progressively launched in our global markets in English, Japanese, German and Chinese and we hope this new experience will not only inspire visitors to travel to New Zealand but will also get Kiwis out exploring their own backyard," says Ms Williams.

Twitter's Managing Director for ANZ Suzy Nicoletti says, "Emojis have become almost ubiquitous on Twitter as everyone from politicians, to sports stars, to brands are using these expressive images to communicate. When you can convey emotion faster and in less characters than words, it’s no wonder they are so popular.

"With an average of 3.5 billion emojis used on Twitter every month, Air New Zealand's #EmojiJourney campaign is a fun and easy way for Twitter users to discover the best of what New Zealand has to offer, with all the creativity we've come to expect from @FlyAirNZ."

Air New Zealand's #EmojiJourney experience can be found on the airline's social channels.

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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 21 747 320