Queenstown has won a major business contract with a Chinese company to host thousands of visitors in 2018.
Prime Minister John Key announces Queenstown's winning bid at the Kerry Centre in Shanghai. Photo: RNZ / Demelza Leslie
Each year, Amway China rewards its top sales people with an all-expenses paid international trip as part of the company's sale incentive scheme.
The successful bid led by Tourism New Zealand will mean 10,000 of Amway's employees will enjoy five days in Queenstown, experiencing tourism activities and hospitality.
Prime Minister John Key, who is also the Minister of Tourism, made the announcement in Shanghai, and said the contract was worth at least $50 million to the economy.
He said it was by far the biggest incentive business New Zealand has ever won.
"It will provide a welcome $50m boost to the economy, plus additional value from any personal spending by each delegate and the potential for staff to return in future, bringing family and friends.
"China is now our second-largest and fastest growing tourism market and Chinese tourists have the highest daily spend of any of our visitors."
The visitors will arrive in groups of 500 during the shoulder and off-peak tourism season, and will be spread over four months in autumn 2018.
Amway China president Audie Wong at the announcement in Shanghai. Photo: RNZ / Demelza Leslie