Nelson Airport, Sounds Air and the Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) have launched a joint push to attract more visitors to Nelson-Tasman as the weather warms up.
The “Sounds of Spring” campaign uses video, photography and soundscapes to showcase the region to Wellington travellers, following a winter marked by flooding.
Nelson Airport Head of Corporate Services Beth Catley says the campaign takes a slightly different approach.
“By incorporating soundscapes we’re offering potential visitors the ability to experience the region’s highlights in a more sensory way, giving an even greater appreciation of how special it is.”
The airport regularly partners with its operators on projects designed to benefit airlines, the airport and the wider region. This campaign also aims to support Sounds Air’s Nelson routes.
“We want all our operators to thrive so Nelsonians can continue to enjoy a choice of airlines and strong connectivity,” Catley says.
NRDA Visitor Destination Manager Craig Boodee says seasonality is one of the region’s biggest tourism challenges.
“The campaign encourages travellers planning a Spring getaway to visit and discover why the region was rated number one for domestic visitor satisfaction in 2024/25,” he says.
A dedicated campaign website features video, still images and soundscapes from Nelson-Tasman. A playlist of regional sounds is also available on Spotify. Ads will run online and at Wellington Airport.
The campaign also includes a giveaway, with a trip for two from Wellington to Nelson up for grabs. The winners will attend the NZ Cider Fest in November and stay at the Rutherford Hotel.
Sounds Air General Manager Olivia Jacobs says the partnership with Nelson Airport has helped the airline grow services over the past year.
“Our ongoing collaboration demonstrates how creative partnerships can deliver tangible commercial outcomes, strengthen airline viability and contribute to regional prosperity.”
