This year, Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) is planning a number of groundbreaking moves to grow its campervan brands in Australia and New Zealand. As part of this move, earlier this year thl announced an investment of AU$40M for its Australian rentals business for 2010.
Auckland, New Zealand, July 27, 2010 — This year, Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) is planning a number of groundbreaking moves to grow its campervan brands in Australia and New Zealand. As part of this move, earlier this year thl announced an investment of AU$40M for its Australian rentals business for 2010.
A focus of this investment was the launch of a fresh new range of motorhomes for the company’s premium brand, maui, with the Platinum series. Grant Webster, CEO of thl says, “The brief was important – to design interiors that optimise space, comfort and style. With warm neutral tones, real leather couches and attention to detail, the Platinum experience should ‘wow!’ our customers.
“In addition to creating a complete new innovative range of motorhomes, we are launching new service initiatives to match. Many of our customers travel on hires of 34 days or more, which means they require servicing of the vehicle. They are now able to book a full valet service with us during their hire and all Maui customers are able to swap their linen for a fresh set at anytime, making a real difference for these customers.”
Britz is known for its leadership in product innovation, and is launching the dual cab, another first for the industry this year. Designed specifically for the family market, in which Britz specialises, it allows for six passengers to sit up front, putting the focus back on families enjoying their journey together.
The Renegade features all the Britz mod cons inside the campervan, and includes twin seven inch DVD screens to entertain passengers in the back seats and a 14Lt fridge to ensure easy access to snacks whilst on the road. The Renegade will be on fleet for the 2010 summer in New Zealand.
Not only is thl pioneering through innovative design of campervans, but it’s also creating a revolution in online services. Believed to be a first in the industry, thl has launched a ‘self check-in’ service.
“thl took a lead from the airline industry in developing self check-in. We have been amazed at the up-take by customers, which tells us that we are really in-step with their expectations,” says Webster.
It has been offered throughout the branch network, and will be available online in June.
“It will allow customers to ‘check-in’ online prior to arriving meaning we can help them get on the road faster to enjoy their holiday. It also creates more time for our staff to help those customers who prefer the more personal customer service experience”.
thl is leading the way in online services including Backpacker’s new hi-tech website. Another industry first, the website uses Google Maps to allow travellers to build a personalised itinerary throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Grant Webster says, “The new site gives tech-savvy travellers a groundbreaking and novel way to create a holiday experience to remember”.
The Backpacker interactive mapping is a mash-up of Google Maps and geo-coded travel information. Travellers select driving routes allowing them to customise a journey to suit their interests. Daily updates are streamed from various sources, such as Tourism New Zealand and Top 10 Holiday Parks ensuring information is always current.
These customised travel maps can be shared via Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites as well as email.
The company has also developed a social media programme encompassing Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter, Community Forums, Blogs and YouTube channels across its brands.
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Contact:
Kate Meldrum
Tourism Holdings Limited
PO Box 4293
Auckland, New Zealand
021 222 1312
[email protected]
http://www.thlonline.com
