Tourism operators throughout New Zealand will soon be offering travellers special prepaid SIM cards from 2degrees in a new partnership between the fledgling network and tourism media operators People Media Group (PMG).

2.5 million international visitors come to New Zealand each year, and 2degrees is predicting a substantial portion of those will purchase an NZ Visitor SIM card rather than pay roaming charges on their existing accounts.

PMG is well placed to target the market, through the Arrival magazine, the Airbus digital in-transit advertising service, and partnerships with tourism operators.

A media release announcing the partnership suggests the deal could net 2degrees over $1 million a year.

According to Mike Taillie, PMG managing director, 2degrees has agreed to invest $1 in the tourism industry for every $10 SIM sold, with initial forecasts predicting that marketing return could reach $10,000 per month.

"Our business is all about ensuring that international visitors are given information about the best value products and services that New Zealand has to offer,” Taillie says.

"If we do that then our clients will get more business and the visitors have a positive experience.”

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