Musto extends tourism connections

by Tracey Porter on 15 Mar 2011 Trans-Tasman tourism consortium, Explore NZ can now look forward to complete protection from the elements after the company signed a unique sponsorship deal with Sydney-headquartered marine apparel brand Musto.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, saw Musto land the competitive tender to be named the company’s official clothing partner and as a result secure the rights to outfit more than 150 Explore NZ management and staff across its Auckland, Bay of Islands and Sydney offices.

The agreement also sees Musto attain the rights to produce an exclusive merchandise collection to be sold both onsite and via the offices of the Auckland-based company’s subsidiaries: Sailing Sydney, Dolphin Discoveries, Sail NZ, Dune Rider, Whale & Dolphin, Otehei Bay and Pride of Auckland.

The timing of the deal has proved something of a masterstroke with Explore NZ – which takes guests sailing aboard ex-America’s Cup yachts - expecting to see a significant increase in numbers with several thousand international tourists flocking to New Zealand for the staging of the Volvo Ocean Race and the 2011 Rugby World Cup both of which take place in New Zealand later this year.

The agreement caps off a highly successful period for Musto which on top of being named as part of the sponsorship team for the Camper campaign run by Emirates Team New Zealand was named the official clothing supplier to the 2011 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship.

Musto managing director Duncan Curnow said he was thrilled Musto could align itself with such a high profile organisation and looked forward to working closely with Explore NZ staff members across both sides of the ditch.

Explore NZ managing director William Goodfellow said he that was delighted that Musto had won the business. 'Not only will our crew and staff look smart in the Musto range, they will be well protected throughout the year. We are sure the exclusive merchandise collection will be sought after particularly this year with the Volvo Ocean Race and the Rugby World Cup.'

More at www.musto.com.au