THE NEWS: Rod Cuthbert opened his “Destinations: Demand, Sustainability, Tech” panel at WiT Queenstown by revealing that his own AI system named New Zealand the world’s single best destination “by a country mile.” He is a Tourism Tasmania board member and the founder of Viator.
DETAILS:
- Cuthbert said, “Destinations and experiences are the beating heart of the travel industry.”
- He highlighted that without great places to visit, “the travel industry doesn’t really exist.”
- During the session, he asked Tourism New Zealand CEO Rene de Monchy how a country of five million can win the marketing game.
WHY IT MATTERS: The anecdote underscores Cuthbert’s view that compelling destinations are essential to the travel industry’s existence.
FAQ
- Who disclosed that an AI named New Zealand the best destination?
- Rod Cuthbert, a Tourism Tasmania board member and Viator founder, revealed that his AI system identified New Zealand as the world’s top destination “by a country mile” while opening a panel at WiT Queenstown.
- What did Rod Cuthbert say about the role of destinations in travel?
- Cuthbert stated, “Destinations and experiences are the beating heart of the travel industry,” adding that without great places to go, “the travel industry doesn’t really exist,” emphasizing the centrality of destinations to the sector.
- Which tourism leader did Cuthbert question about marketing success?
- Cuthbert directed his first question to Rene de Monchy, the chief executive officer of Tourism New Zealand, asking how a small nation of five million people can win the destination‑marketing game.
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