Future of Hospitality Marketing in NZ: Video First

Why Video Marketing is Dominating NZ Hospitality

Video marketing is rapidly transforming the hospitality landscape in New Zealand. Hotels, lodges, restaurants, and Airbnb hosts are increasingly leveraging video content to attract guests, showcase experiences, and build trust. According to Tourism New Zealand, 70% of travellers engage with video content before booking, making it a critical component of any marketing strategy.

The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has amplified the importance of video. Kiwi travellers now expect immersive, visually engaging content that highlights not just the property, but also local attractions, culture, and experiences. Static photos alone no longer suffice in a competitive market.

• Enhanced Engagement: Videos increase viewer attention and time spent on listings compared to images or text.
• Improved Conversion: Listings with video can achieve higher booking rates as guests gain a realistic sense of the property.
• Storytelling Opportunities: Showcase unique NZ experiences, from Maori cultural performances to adventure tourism in Queenstown.
• Social Sharing: Videos are more likely to be shared by users, increasing reach and organic promotion.

Vidude allows New Zealand hospitality providers to create, host, and distribute videos efficiently. With tools for analytics, regional targeting, and content scheduling, Vidude ensures that video campaigns are both measurable and effective.

Tip: Focus on authentic storytelling that highlights property features, local culture, and seasonal experiences to maximise engagement and bookings.

Quote: “Video has become essential for our Auckland hotel. Guests now expect to see dynamic content before they book, and Vidude has made this easy to manage,” says Hana Puketapu, Marketing Manager, SkyCity Hotel Auckland.

Understanding the Kiwi Consumer: What Guests Want

New Zealand travellers have unique preferences when it comes to hospitality, making it essential for hotels, lodges, and Airbnb hosts to tailor video marketing accordingly. Research by Stats NZ shows that domestic travellers value authenticity, personalised experiences, and clear information about amenities before booking.

International visitors, on the other hand, often rely heavily on visual content to plan their trips. Videos showcasing property layouts, local attractions, and seasonal experiences provide confidence in their booking decisions, especially when planning from overseas.

• Authenticity: Kiwis appreciate real, unscripted content that reflects genuine experiences.
• Local Insights: Videos that highlight nearby attractions, dining, and cultural experiences resonate strongly with both domestic and international travellers.
• Concise Information: Quick, visually clear videos are preferred over long, text-heavy content.
• Trust & Safety: Guests look for reassurance regarding cleanliness, safety, and hospitality standards.
• Seasonal Relevance: Kiwis respond to seasonal promotions, festivals, and holiday-related experiences.

Vidude provides tools for hosts and hospitality businesses to create videos that cater specifically to these Kiwi consumer preferences. Hosts can embed testimonials, virtual tours, and local guides while tracking engagement and optimising campaigns for maximum impact.

Tip: Focus on delivering concise, authentic, and locally relevant content that clearly communicates property features and guest benefits.

Quote: “Understanding our guests’ expectations was key. By using Vidude to showcase authentic experiences around Wellington, we’ve seen increased engagement and more confident bookings,” says Tama Rere, Airbnb host in Wellington.

Virtual Tours: A Must-Have for Hotels and Airbnb

Virtual tours are quickly becoming an essential component of hospitality marketing in New Zealand. They allow potential guests to explore properties in an immersive, interactive way before booking. For both hotels and Airbnb listings, virtual tours can highlight property layout, room sizes, décor, and unique features, creating trust and confidence in potential guests.

According to Tourism NZ, properties that feature interactive content see higher engagement rates and improved booking conversions. In cities like Auckland and Queenstown, where competition is high, virtual tours provide a clear differentiator for savvy travellers.

• Show the Entire Property: Capture all rooms, communal areas, and amenities for a comprehensive experience.
• Highlight Unique Features: Showcase spa facilities, mountain views, pools, or local art that make the property stand out.
• Interactive Elements: Include clickable hotspots or narration to guide viewers through the space.
• Seasonal Updates: Update virtual tours to reflect seasonal decorations, events, or weather changes.
• Accessibility Features: Include ramps, lifts, or other accessibility information to reassure diverse guests.

Vidude allows NZ hospitality businesses to create and host virtual tours with ease. Hosts can embed tours on Airbnb listings, websites, and social media, track viewer engagement, and adjust content based on analytics to maximise bookings.

Tip: Invest in high-quality video capture, stabilisation, and lighting to ensure the virtual tour accurately represents the property.

Quote: “Our Queenstown chalet’s virtual tour on Vidude helped international guests feel confident booking during the winter season,” says Aroha Te Puni, Airbnb host in Queenstown.

Showcasing Local Experiences & Culture

Highlighting local experiences and culture is a key strategy for hospitality marketing in New Zealand. Guests are increasingly looking for authentic connections with their destination, from Māori cultural experiences to adventure tourism in Queenstown, Rotorua geothermal tours, or wine tasting in Marlborough.

Videos that showcase these experiences not only differentiate your property but also enhance the overall appeal of your listing. According to Tourism NZ, travellers who engage with culturally rich content are more likely to book and recommend the property.

• Local Events: Feature regional festivals, farmers’ markets, or community gatherings near your property.
• Adventure Tourism: Highlight skiing, hiking, kayaking, or other popular activities in your region.
• Māori Cultural Experiences: Include performances, workshops, or storytelling sessions that celebrate local heritage.
• Food & Drink: Showcase local cuisine, wineries, and artisan products to give guests a taste of New Zealand.
• Seasonal Highlights: Capture changing landscapes and seasonal events to create timely and engaging content.

Vidude helps hospitality providers in NZ create, organise, and distribute these experience-focused videos efficiently. Analytics tools allow hosts to see which types of experiences attract the most attention and bookings.

Tip: Be authentic and immersive—avoid generic stock footage and instead showcase your property’s unique connection to the local area.

Quote: “Featuring Māori cultural experiences in our Vidude videos has increased engagement from domestic and international guests, creating memorable stays,” says Kahu Rangi, lodge owner in Rotorua.

Seasonal & Event-Driven Campaigns

Seasonal and event-driven video campaigns are highly effective for New Zealand hospitality businesses. By aligning marketing efforts with holidays, festivals, and peak tourist seasons, hotels, lodges, and Airbnb hosts can attract more guests and create a sense of urgency.

For example, summer campaigns highlighting beaches, hiking trails, or waterfront dining can attract domestic holidaymakers. Winter campaigns featuring ski resorts, cozy lodges, or geothermal spa experiences in Rotorua and Queenstown can draw both domestic and international visitors. Vidude makes it easy to schedule and manage these campaigns for maximum impact.

• Summer Promotions: Feature outdoor activities, water sports, and festivals in Auckland, Bay of Islands, or Coromandel.
• Winter Experiences: Highlight skiing, snowboarding, and warm lodge accommodations in Queenstown and Wanaka.
• School Holidays: Create family-friendly videos showcasing kid-friendly amenities and activities.
• Local Festivals: Promote regional food, wine, arts, and cultural events to attract both domestic and international tourists.
• Holiday Specials: Showcase festive decorations, Christmas/New Year packages, and summer getaway deals.

Vidude’s analytics tools allow NZ hospitality providers to track engagement and bookings resulting from seasonal campaigns, helping to optimise timing and content for future promotions.

Tip: Plan your campaigns in advance and align your videos with the regional calendar to maximise reach and relevance.

Quote: “Scheduling our Queenstown ski lodge videos on Vidude ahead of winter allowed us to capture early bookings and increase our seasonal occupancy,” says Maia Te Wera, lodge owner in Queenstown.

Guest Testimonials & Video Reviews

Guest testimonials and video reviews are among the most trusted forms of marketing in New Zealand’s hospitality industry. Potential guests are more likely to book a property when they see authentic experiences from previous visitors. Video testimonials bring these stories to life, conveying emotion, satisfaction, and trust far more effectively than written reviews alone.

For hotels, lodges, and Airbnb listings, showcasing happy guests enjoying your property and local attractions provides social proof and credibility. These videos can highlight not only the property itself but also surrounding experiences, from hiking and skiing to dining and cultural events.

• Authenticity Matters: Keep testimonials natural and unscripted to resonate with viewers.
• Highlight Experiences: Ask guests to share what they loved about the property, local attractions, or seasonal activities.
• Use Short Clips: 30–60 second videos are ideal for social media and listing pages.
• Leverage Vidude Features: Embed videos on listings, websites, or social media, and track engagement with analytics.
• Encourage Repeat Guests: Testimonials from returning guests can demonstrate loyalty and long-term satisfaction.

Vidude allows NZ hospitality businesses to easily collect, edit, and host video reviews. Analytics tools provide insights into which testimonials drive the most engagement and bookings.

Tip: Request permission to feature guests and encourage them to highlight both property amenities and local experiences for maximum impact.

Quote: “Our Wellington apartment’s Vidude video testimonials have boosted bookings significantly, as new guests trust the experiences of past visitors,” says Rangi Te Ao, Airbnb host in Wellington.

Behind-the-Scenes & Host Stories

Sharing behind-the-scenes footage and host stories allows New Zealand hospitality businesses to build stronger connections with guests. This type of content humanises your brand, highlights your dedication, and gives potential guests a glimpse into the care and effort behind their stay.

From showing how rooms are prepared to demonstrating personalised guest services or local collaborations, these videos provide authenticity that enhances trust. Kiwis value transparency and storytelling, making behind-the-scenes videos a powerful tool for engagement.

• Property Preparation: Show staff cleaning, staging rooms, or arranging amenities for guests.
• Meet the Hosts: Introduce yourself and your team to create a personal connection.
• Local Partnerships: Highlight collaborations with local businesses, such as cafés, tour operators, or artists.
• Seasonal Preparations: Share how properties adapt for summer, winter, or special events.
• Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Give viewers insights into unique activities, local traditions, or community involvement.

Vidude enables NZ hospitality providers to upload and organise behind-the-scenes videos, creating playlists for guests to explore. Analytics tools show which stories generate the most interest, helping hosts refine their content strategy.

Tip: Keep videos authentic and engaging, focusing on human stories and unique local experiences that make your property memorable.

Quote: “Sharing behind-the-scenes footage of our Wellington boutique studio through Vidude has allowed guests to feel connected even before arrival, boosting trust and bookings,” says Moana Whenua, Airbnb host in Wellington.

Optimising Video for Mobile & Social Media

With the majority of New Zealand travellers accessing listings and travel inspiration via mobile devices, optimising hospitality videos for mobile and social media is essential. Videos need to be visually engaging, fast-loading, and formatted for vertical or square screens to capture attention quickly.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are key channels for NZ hospitality marketing. Short, high-quality videos that showcase property features, local attractions, and guest experiences can significantly boost engagement and bookings.

• Vertical & Square Formats: Optimise for mobile feeds, especially on Instagram Reels and TikTok.
• Short & Engaging: Keep videos under 60 seconds for social media to maintain viewer attention.
• Captions & Text Overlays: Many viewers watch without sound; key information should be visible.
• Thumbnail & Hook: Use compelling thumbnails and open with a strong hook to capture interest immediately.
• Cross-Platform Sharing: Share videos across multiple channels for maximum reach, including Vidude-hosted videos embedded on listings.

Vidude provides tools to upload mobile-optimised videos, schedule campaigns, and track performance across platforms, making it easy for NZ hospitality providers to reach both domestic and international audiences effectively.

Tip: Test different formats and lengths to see what resonates with your target audience and monitor results with Vidude analytics.

Quote: “Optimising our Wellington Airbnb videos for mobile using Vidude dramatically increased engagement on Instagram and TikTok, leading to more direct bookings,” says Hemi Ariki, Airbnb host in Wellington.

Safety, Cleanliness, & Compliance in Video Marketing

Showcasing safety, cleanliness, and compliance is essential for hospitality marketing in New Zealand, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Guests look for reassurance that properties meet hygiene, accessibility, and safety standards. Video content allows hosts to visually demonstrate these aspects, building trust and confidence.

From fire safety measures and accessible facilities to daily cleaning routines, videos can highlight the property’s commitment to guest wellbeing. According to Tourism NZ, listings that clearly communicate safety and hygiene measures tend to attract higher booking rates and more positive reviews.

• Cleaning Protocols: Showcase routine cleaning, sanitation stations, and staff hygiene practices.
• Accessibility Features: Highlight ramps, lifts, wide corridors, and other accessible facilities for guests with mobility needs.
• Fire & Emergency Safety: Demonstrate smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and evacuation plans.
• Covid-19 & Health Measures: Show social distancing protocols, mask policies, and contactless check-ins if applicable.
• Certifications & Compliance: Highlight official NZ tourism or safety certifications to increase credibility.

Vidude enables NZ hospitality providers to create clear, professional videos that communicate safety and compliance measures to prospective guests. Video analytics also help identify which elements generate the most engagement and reassure viewers.

Tip: Use short, visually clear clips that demonstrate safety practices without overwhelming the viewer.

Quote: “Including clear hygiene and safety videos on Vidude has boosted guest confidence and bookings for our Queenstown lodge,” says Manaia Kahukura, lodge owner in Queenstown.

Distribution Strategies for Maximum Reach

Creating great video content is only half the battle; effective distribution is key to reaching potential guests in New Zealand and beyond. NZ hospitality businesses must leverage multiple channels to maximise visibility and bookings.

Digital platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia remain critical, but social media and email campaigns significantly amplify reach. Local SEO, Google My Business listings, and Vidude-hosted video playlists can help target both domestic travellers and international visitors searching for authentic Kiwi experiences.

• Listings & Websites: Embed videos on Airbnb, hotel websites, and other booking platforms.
• Social Media: Share videos on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube to engage audiences across channels.
• Email Marketing: Include video highlights in newsletters or booking confirmation emails to increase engagement.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with regional tourism boards or local businesses to share content with wider audiences.
• Seasonal Campaigns: Distribute targeted videos aligned with peak travel periods and local events.

Vidude simplifies multi-channel distribution by allowing NZ hospitality providers to host videos centrally, track performance, and optimise campaigns based on engagement data. Playlists and scheduled releases ensure content reaches the right audience at the right time.

Tip: Monitor analytics to identify which channels generate the most engagement and adjust your distribution strategy accordingly.

Quote: “Using Vidude to distribute videos across Airbnb, Instagram, and our website allowed us to reach more potential guests than ever before,” says Roa Te Hau, hotel manager in Auckland.

Case Studies: Kiwi Hospitality Brands Using Vidude Ads

New Zealand hospitality businesses have seen tangible results using Vidude for video marketing. From hotels to Airbnb hosts, video campaigns help showcase properties, promote experiences, and increase bookings. Below are examples of Kiwi businesses leveraging Vidude for impactful campaigns:

Vidude analytics allow hospitality providers to track engagement, measure campaign ROI, and optimise future videos. By learning from successful case studies, NZ businesses can replicate winning strategies and tailor content to their own guests.

Tip: Analyse competitors and similar properties in your region for inspiration, but ensure your content highlights your unique offerings and NZ-local experiences.

Quote: “Vidude’s case studies inspired our Hamilton hotel to create short testimonial videos, which immediately increased our weekend bookings,” says Te Rangi Manu, marketing manager, Hamilton.

Future Trends: AI, AR & Interactive Video in NZ Hospitality

The future of hospitality marketing in New Zealand is increasingly video-first, with emerging technologies such as AI, AR (Augmented Reality), and interactive video transforming how properties connect with guests. These innovations enable more personalised, immersive, and engaging experiences that set Kiwi hospitality businesses apart.

AI can optimise video content by analysing viewer behaviour, suggesting edits, and targeting specific demographics. AR allows guests to visualise rooms, furniture, or amenities in real time, enhancing decision-making. Interactive videos enable clickable hotspots, multiple narrative paths, or embedded booking links, keeping viewers engaged and driving direct conversions.

• AI-Enhanced Personalisation: Use AI to recommend tailored videos based on guest preferences and browsing history.
• Augmented Reality Tours: Provide AR overlays to explore rooms, facilities, or nearby attractions virtually.
• Interactive Booking Features: Allow viewers to book rooms or activities directly from video content.
• Predictive Analytics: Track engagement to forecast demand, optimise campaigns, and improve ROI.
• Content Adaptation: Automatically adjust video format and length for mobile, desktop, or social media platforms.

Vidude is preparing to integrate AI-driven insights and interactive features to help NZ hospitality businesses stay ahead. By adopting these technologies early, properties in Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua, and beyond can attract more guests and deliver memorable, tech-forward experiences.

Tip: Experiment with AI and AR for seasonal promotions, virtual tours, or interactive cultural experiences to differentiate your property from competitors.

Quote: “Incorporating interactive AR videos via Vidude has transformed how our guests in Queenstown explore the chalet before arrival, increasing bookings and satisfaction,” says Rangi Te Pō, Airbnb host in Queenstown.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Video-first marketing is reshaping the New Zealand hospitality landscape. From virtual tours and guest testimonials to interactive AR experiences, videos provide a powerful way to engage guests, showcase local culture, and increase bookings. Whether you manage a boutique Airbnb in Wellington, a luxury lodge in Queenstown, or a hotel in Auckland, adopting video marketing is essential for staying competitive.

Vidude offers a comprehensive platform for NZ hospitality providers to create, host, and distribute videos effectively. With tools for analytics, scheduling, and multi-channel distribution, Vidude helps businesses maximise engagement, boost bookings, and track performance with measurable results.

Tip: Start small, experiment with different video types, and use analytics to optimise your campaigns. Over time, video marketing will become an integral part of your guest experience strategy.

Ready to transform your hospitality marketing? Sign up with Vidude today and start creating compelling videos that captivate guests across New Zealand and beyond.

FAQs

• Q1: Why is video important for NZ hospitality marketing?
  A: Videos increase engagement, build trust, and help showcase properties and local experiences more effectively than images or text alone.
• Q2: What types of videos work best for hotels and Airbnb?
  A: Virtual tours, guest testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, and local experience videos perform best in NZ hospitality.
• Q3: How can I showcase local NZ experiences?
  A: Highlight cultural activities, regional events, food & wine, adventure tourism, and scenic locations in short, engaging videos.
• Q4: How long should hospitality videos be?
  A: Short, concise videos (30–90 seconds) work best for social media and listing pages, while longer virtual tours can go up to 3–5 minutes.
• Q5: Can I use Vidude for social media campaigns?
  A: Yes. Vidude allows easy sharing, scheduling, and analytics for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube campaigns.
• Q6: How do I measure video success and ROI?
  A: Track engagement metrics, watch time, clicks, and booking conversions using Vidude analytics to measure performance.
• Q7: Should I include guest testimonials?
  A: Absolutely. Authentic testimonials build trust and provide social proof, increasing the likelihood of bookings.
• Q8: How do I optimise videos for mobile users?
  A: Use vertical or square formats, concise messaging, captions, and mobile-friendly design to ensure accessibility and engagement.
• Q9: What seasonal campaigns work best in NZ?
  A: Summer beach promotions, winter ski packages, school holiday family offers, and local festival campaigns resonate strongly.
• Q10: Can I embed videos in my Airbnb or website listing?
  A: Yes. Vidude provides embed codes and sharing tools for websites, Airbnb, and other listing platforms.
• Q11: How do I keep video content authentic and engaging?
  A: Focus on real experiences, storytelling, behind-the-scenes footage, and showcasing local culture.
• Q12: What emerging trends should I watch in NZ hospitality video marketing?
  A: AI-driven personalisation, AR tours, interactive videos, and analytics-driven optimisation are shaping the future.