Mary Valley Rattler builds interest in New Zealand for its offerings

With direct air services between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast Airport, Gympie’s Mary Valley Rattler team believes it can tap into New Zealanders’ passion for rail, especially heritage rail services.

Mary Valley Rattler General Manager, Sherry Lowe, recently returned from a Tourism and Events Queensland co-ordinated sales mission to New Zealand, and she was excited by the level of interest from the travel trade in the heritage railway service.

Lowe shared “It was a hugely productive sales mission. Trade representatives had considerable knowledge about the Sunshine Coast and were particularly interested in what was being offered beyond the beaches. Mary Valley Rattler certainly struck a chord with them.

“New Zealand has a strong tradition of train travel, with a particular fondness for steam trains and vintage rail experiences. This love for rail heritage is reflected in numerous preserved railway lines, themed events, and steam train excursions, many of which are popular tourist attractions."

Lowe added “we were able to build interest on this basis, and with Air New Zealand joining Jetstar in a few months’ time to provide direct air services from Auckland to Sunshine Coast Airport, this was the ideal time to tap into the region’s largest international market.

“There’s huge enthusiasm for the Sunshine Coast over winter, and the fact that visitors can also experience attractions such as the Rattler provides even greater incentive to book a holiday to our region.

“It was a great opportunity to promote not just the Mary Valley Rattler but also the wider Gympie region – from the stunning beaches of Rainbow Beach to the adventure tours and fantastic produce offered in the Mary Valley.

“We are encouraging Kiwis to travel with their tastebuds, and the Rattler is a great way to explore the many foodie experiences in the Gympie region.

“Judging from the feedback I received, we will be seeing a significant increase in New Zealand inbound travel over the year ahead.”

More information on Mary Valley Rattler 

Image top. Sherry Lowe GM Mary Valley Rattler; Image below: Sherry Lowe was part of a TEQ Sales Mission to New Zealand