Sydney Airport and retail partners launch Chinese New Year campaign

AUSTRALIA. Sydney Airport and its retail partners will mark Chinese New Year with a range of activities including performances, tailored shopping offers and decorations.

Kerrie_Mather_2016_200
Kerrie Mather: “China is our fastest-growing international passenger market”

Sydney Airport said it expects to welcome over 140,000 Chinese nationals during the peak demand period.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather noted that 2017 has been declared the China-Australia Year of Tourism.

“We’re thrilled to be part of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations again and look forward to marking the Year of the Rooster at Sydney Airport,” Ms Mather said.

“China is our fastest-growing international passenger market, representing 7.4% of total passengers. As our largest group of foreign inbound passengers, we’re working closely with our partners to deliver an airport experience that caters to our Chinese travellers.

“We’ve welcomed several new routes and additional services from China recently, and have seven airlines serving 14 mainland Chinese cities from this week. There will be up to 150 non-stop flights from greater China each week during this busy Chinese New Year period.”

To celebrate the occasion, Sydney Airport will distribute hundreds of lucky travel wallets filled with offers from retailers including Heinemann Tax & Duty Free, Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Think Australia, Think Sydney, Australian Way, Merino Collection, WHSmith, Heineken House and The Bistro by Wolfgang Puck.

Roving promotional staff will surprise passengers with a Sydney Airport gift card to use across any of Sydney Airport’s retailers where eftpos is accepted. Launched in November 2016, the gift card is said to be the first of its kind at an Australian airport.

Sydney Airport Chinese New Year decorations
China-ready: The International Terminal is bedecked with Chinese New Year decorations, with partners such as Heinemann taking part in an airport-wide promotional campaign

Festive red and gold decorations symbolising good fortune and happiness appear at the International Terminal (T1) for one month from 15 January. Passengers, visitors and staff will also be able to enjoy special performances from Sydney Airport partner, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. There will also be traditional lion dancing, reflecting the role that Chinese culture plays across Sydney, New South Wales and Australia.

Sydney Airport General Manager Retail Glyn Williams said: “Our retail, food and dining partners, including Heinemann Tax & Duty Free, will feature exclusive and limited edition products and offers, delivering greater value and choice for passengers.”

This is the fifth year Sydney Airport has partnered with the City of Sydney to celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival, now in its 21st year and the largest such event outside of mainland China.

Sydney Airport has implemented a range of ‘China-ready’ initiatives to welcome Chinese passengers throughout the year, including Mandarin-speaking Airport Ambassadors, signage and information available in simplified Chinese, support of events such as Lunar New Year, and appropriate retail, food & beverage offerings.

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine