Tourism New Zealand Integrates AI Technology to Enhance Travel Planning

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers planning a visit to New Zealand can now access personalized travel inspiration and planning assistance through an innovative AI trip planner, developed by Matador Network's GuideGeek platform. This initiative coincides with the launch of a fully playable New Zealand destination within the popular game Minecraft, marking a significant advancement in digital tourism engagement.

The AI trip planner was designed to address common inquiries and facilitate the booking process for potential visitors. Questions such as "How long are flights to New Zealand?" and "What are the best seasonal activities?" are answered in real time, helping users navigate their travel planning effectively. The AI leverages extensive data from Tourism New Zealand, regional tourism organizations, and over 1,000 integrations for travel information, creating a comprehensive resource for travelers.

Brodie McLeish, General Manager of Marketing at Tourism New Zealand, stated, "We recently launched a test of GuideGeek that performed exceptionally well, demonstrating how such tools can help transition potential visitors from simply dreaming about a trip to actively planning it. Our fully playable Minecraft destination is a pioneering initiative this year, and integrating GuideGeek has amplified our creative outreach and visitor engagement."

Since its launch in late 2024, the AI has engaged approximately 200,000 unique users, significantly enhancing user interaction with the site. Data indicates that users who interact with the AI experience 600% more engagement compared to the average site visitor. Following the Minecraft campaign, the AI currently maintains over 50,000 active users across crucial tourism markets.

Ross Borden, CEO of Matador Network, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, noting, "Tourism New Zealand has established itself as a leader among destination marketing organizations globally, thanks to its innovative strategies and rich array of attractions. The creation of a Minecraft version of their destination exemplifies a cutting-edge application of GuideGeek technology to enhance visitor exploration—both virtually and in reality."

New Zealand is the first destination to employ GuideGeek AI technology in a major campaign with a globally recognized brand like Minecraft. This collaboration has led to a substantial increase in user engagement and the fulfillment of key business objectives.

Matador Network's Chief Technology Officer, Stefan Klopp, emphasized the data-driven approach of Tourism New Zealand, stating, "They rigorously test everything. The successful integration of calls to action has not only spurred AI engagement but also set the stage for future enhancements across thousands of pages at newzealand.com, personalizing user experiences based on their specific interests."

Tourism New Zealand is tasked with promoting New Zealand as a desirable international travel destination, and the integration of AI technology represents a transformative step in how potential visitors interact with travel information. As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these are expected to redefine engagement and inspire new generations of travelers.

Matador Network, recognized as a leading media brand for modern adventurers, has developed GuideGeek as a solution to enhance travel planning. With over 16 million followers across its social platforms, Matador Network has established itself as a pivotal player in the travel industry, providing valuable content and insights to travelers worldwide.

For further information, visit [Tourism New Zealand’s official website](https://www.newzealand.com/us/).