Aircalin makes play for Aussie business events

Aircalin makes play for Aussie business events

The business events sector is a “huge” focus for Aircalin with the airline keen to get the word out about relevant developments in its home country of New Caledonia.

Last month, the airline attended the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) alongside New Caledonia to showcase a variety of new projects in the destination that are expected to resonate with the business events sector.

For example, the arrival of a number of international brands onto New Caledonia’s hotel scene has helped stoke Australian interest in the destination, according to Aircalin’s country manager Australia Brett Walsh.

“Previously Le Mériden was really the only international brand people were familiar with,” he told The Nibbler. “Now, there’s the Hilton in Nouméa and a brand new Sheraton.”

In addition, the Les Méridiens in Noumea and the Isle of Pines have been renovated to “push them up to true five-star standard”.

“Having international brand hotels that Australian consumers are familiar with has certainly helped,” he said.

In addition, its proximity to Australia – just three hours from Sydney, two hours from Brisbane and four hours from Melbourne –  enhances the destination’s appeal for business events.

Its unspoilt natural landscapes and strong French influence are also major drawcards, he continued.

“Australians can enjoy the Frenchness without the cost of having to fly to France,” he said.

Meanwhile, Walsh revealed that the airline had seen passenger numbers from Australia rise 25% in 2015 on the previous year, with revenue up 26%.

“We’re very happy with that,” he said.

He highlighted Air Calin’s “modern renovated fleet”, new livery and inflight product, promising more modernisation is on the cards.

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