Amway China’s Leadership Seminar incentive to New Zealand was super, and super-sized, in every way. The event involved 6,300 delegates in 11 waves across seven weeks. It was the longest programme in terms of duration Amway China had ever run, and the farthest destination travelled to - beautiful Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s premium incentive destinations.

The big event also won big acclaim: Overall, Amway China’s business owners rated the Queenstown programme one of the best ever, with a satisfaction rating of 96%. The event’s success has now put New Zealand on the map for hosting large incentive groups.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Stephen England-Hall says: “Having Amway China, a globally recognised brand, rate the Queenstown programme as one of the best is a huge accolade. We have already seen an increase in interest in New Zealand as a host destination, especially in China where we secured double the amount of incentive business in the year ending June 2018 than the previous year.”

During their five-day stay, delegates rotated through a range of activities in an action-packed itinerary, from panning for gold in the Arrow River, to jet boating up the Dart River, and wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery.

Queenstown-based HQ New Zealand was responsible for the major activities and the production of the business session and gala dinners. Some 4,900 delegates travelled by coach, plane or helicopter to Milford Sound for a cruise on the stunning fiord. Around 3,000 took a trip across picturesque Lake Wakatipu on the steamship TSS Earnslaw to visit Walter Peak High Country Station. In all, 730 took the plunge in exhilarating Kawarau bungy jumps and Nevis swings, while organisers also arranged hundreds of scenic flights and 11 fireworks displays. The incentive also boasted Amway’s highest-ever gala dinner location, 1,670 metres up Coronet Peak. Showcasing a true Winter Wonderland, it incorporated an amazing 3D technology display on the mountainside, while some delegates experienced snow for the first time.

Not that the event was without its challenges. Ellen Rhodes at HQ New Zealand says the Amway programme coincided with one of the most unsettled and challenging Autumn weather patterns that Queenstown has had in recent times. “Months of planning and meetings were held with our supplier partners to ensure that there was one solid line of communication and that contingency plans were designed and delivered seamlessly. We were delighted that we were able to produce such a memorable experience.”

New Zealand’s unique brand of ‘Kiwi hospitality’, or manaakitanga, was also on show, with locals rolling out the red carpet for guests.

‘We are very proud of the way our community welcomed Amway,” says Kiran Nambiar, Queenstown Convention Bureau Director. “The delegates were greeted by flying flags with the Amway logo throughout Queenstown. Retailers, bars and restaurants showed support for the event by featuring exclusive offers to Amway delegates. Queenstown was the perfect backdrop for Amway to deliver some awe-inspiring experiences to their top achievers.”