World Champion All Blacks in new partnership for exclusive supporters travel services

June 19, 2012 - PRLog -- The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has announced that a joint venture between Sodexo and Mike Burton Group, known as All Blacks Tours will exclusively manage official All Blacks supporters travel from 2013. It aims to provide rugby fans with a greater variety of options to travel with the All Blacks, winners of Rugby World Cup 2011.

Sodexo and the Mike Burton Group are the same organisations behind Rugby Travel & Hospitality which managed the Official Travel & Hospitality Programme for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

Air New Zealand, a long time sponsor of the All Blacks, will also act as a sales agent for All Blacks Tours (visit http://www.allblackstours.com).

“New Zealand rugby fans will be looked after by one of the top sports travel specialists in the world and can fly with the All Blacks favourite airline. Fans will also enjoy greater access to a variety of other rugby travel packages through the company’s extensive global relationships,” said NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew.

Andrew Burton, Chief Executive of The Mike Burton Group and Rugby Travel & Hospitality, said All Blacks Tours was committed to providing the best on-tour experience wherever the All Blacks play (visit http://www.allblacks.com).

“We are proud to be associated with one of the most recognised global sporting brands and plan to offer more choice than ever before in terms of travel package content and price.

“Fans will also have the flexibility to customise their experience and choose from a variety of flights and accommodation to suit their budget as well as unique events and exclusive merchandise.”

NZRU Chief Commercial Officer Mark Adam said: “The combination of All Blacks Tours, Air New Zealand and the NZRU will provide a seamless travel experience to All Blacks fans by combining the strengths of each partner.

“This is a truly global alliance which will deliver a superior service to rugby fans.”

Air New Zealand’s General Manager Leisure and Online, David Simmons, said the airline was delighted to be supporting this exciting new initiative, and that its joint venture Pacific Leisure Group would also support All Blacks Tours through the supply of accommodation and ground services in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

“Air New Zealand has a long and proud association with the All Blacks, representing the passion of millions of our customers, and we look forward to providing even greater access to the best rugby team in the world.”