Post-Summit FAM: New Zealand Student Travel Experience

Following the SYTA Summit 2027 in Honolulu, a select group of SYTA member leaders will be invited to take part in an exclusive North Island New Zealand FAM Trip.

Designed as a high-impact buyer program, this experience goes beyond traditional familiarization. It is intentionally built for decision-makers looking to actively expand into New Zealand, with a focus on product validation, supplier access, and real-world program development.

Across Auckland, the Bay of Islands, and Rotorua, participants will engage directly with key partners, explore scalable student travel experiences, and assess operational logistics firsthand. The goal is simple: to return with the relationships, insight, and confidence needed to successfully build and sell New Zealand programs within the next 12–24 months.

Program Snapshot

    • Dates: January 25 – February 1, 2027
    • Destination: New Zealand (North Island only)
    • Regions Featured: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua
    • Hosted by: Tour Time
    • Participant Profile: SYTA member company owners and senior decision-makers
    • Capacity: Limited to 20–24 participants

Participants should plan to arrive in Auckland on Monday, January 25, following travel from Honolulu. The program concludes in Auckland on Monday, February 1, with onward or return travel options available.

Featured Experiences May Include:

    • Auckland Waterfront Welcome & Orientation – Arrival briefing and evening welcome dinner overlooking the harbor.
    • Goat Island Marine Reserve & Northland Journey – Explore coastal ecosystems and journey north through one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions.
    • Matapōuri & Tutukaka Coast – Experience beaches, swimming, and coastal exploration in a relaxed learning environment.
    • Bay of Islands & Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Gain insight into Māori history, culture, and the foundational Treaty of Waitangi experience.
    • Hobbiton Movie Set – Visit one of New Zealand’s most iconic film tourism destinations with global student appeal.
    • Rotorua Cultural & Geothermal Experiences – Engage with Māori cultural performance, traditional hāngī dining, and geothermal landscapes.
    • STEM & Education Programming in Rotorua – Explore curriculum-linked learning opportunities including science, geography, and sport integration.
    • Controlled Adventure Experience (Rotorua) – Participate in a guided activity such as white-water rafting with safety, risk, and duty-of-care focus.
    • Auckland Product Development Workshop – Final session focused on building New Zealand itineraries, pricing strategies, and supplier engagement.

The FAM concludes with structured workshops and supplier connections designed to support immediate product development and long-haul student travel programming.

Participants will return with first-hand destination knowledge, strengthened supplier relationships, and practical tools to confidently build and sell New Zealand student travel itineraries.

What Is Included

Tour Time will host the approved group for the on-ground FAM program, including:

    • Accommodation with hotel partners
    • In-destination transportation
    • Curated site inspections and experiences
    • Selected meals
    • Access to regional partners, attractions, and key tourism stakeholders

What Is Included

Participants are responsible for:

    • International flights to and from New Zealand
    • SYTA participation / administration fee
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses and incidentals
    • Any optional post-FAM extension costs

An optional extension may be offered following the FAM. This would be subsidized but not complimentary.

Participation & Application

This program is designed for SYTA member company owners and senior decision-makers who are in a position to assess, contract, and sell New Zealand within their student and youth travel portfolio.

Ideal participants will demonstrate:

    • Active engagement in student and youth travel
    • Proven ability to generate group volume
    • Interest across education, sports, performance, or special interest travel
    • Clear intent to develop New Zealand programming within the next 12–24 months

Participation is limited and subject to approval. This is a vetted program, not first-come, first-served.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

    • Business fit and market relevance
    • Product conversion potential
    • Geographic and segment diversity
    • Alignment with SYTA’s strategic objectives

To be considered, please complete the application form here.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Brent Imrie, Managing Director, Tour Time at Brent.Imrie@tourtime.co.nz

    Tara Hippensteel, National Director of Tourism, City Cruises

    You get what you give- there are opportunities to network and learn ALL day. The Tour Operators are more open and relaxed. I’ve had the opportunity to discuss strategy and build the business- a much deeper dive than any other show.

    Jessica Johnson – Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World Resorts

    This years annual Summit was by far one of the best! The educational components were very robust and relevant to all in the Youth Travel Industry. The engagement opportunities allowed for deep connections amongst our community of professionals that strive to create opportunities for students to Perform, Learn, and Celebrate.

    Beth Beccone – Peak Group Travel

    SYTA Summit is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate and network with my industry colleagues. The education sessions help to expand my understanding of current trends and the activities with my colleagues create friendships that go well beyond the conference. Already looking forward to next year!

    Hollie Stevenson – CCIS, Inc.

    For me, SYTA Summit is centered on relationship-building, and Scottsdale has met that expectation. Whether hiking on a scenic trail with stunning views or networking with industry peers over cocktails, the experience was memorable and vital in growing our business. The educational session on sustainable travel was particularly informative, inspiring me to reevaluate our office procedures and their potential impact on student travel.

    STRATEGIC PARTNERS