Queenstown business Magic Memories has launched its first operation in China, providing holiday memories and "storytelling photobooks" for visitors to China's first large-scale aquarium.
Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World is the flagship tourist attraction of the Oceanis Australia Group and the only aquarium in China which combines marine sightseeing with ecological leisure.
Forming a partnership with Chinese businessman Thomas Lu, Magic Memories now has a strong stake in the giant continent and expects huge growth in the market over the next year.
Magic Memories had worked with Mr Lu for several years: his company was an integral part of the Magic Memories worldwide supply chain, providing printing and production services.
During his time working with the New Zealand company, Mr Lu made it clear he wished to enter a partnership and use his skills to secure a tourism photography business in China.
Magic Memories chief executive John Wikstrom said the journey into China had been "exciting and promising".
"We have been very lucky having a local partner to work with.
"Mr Lu knows us well, he knows how we work and what we can offer.
"He fully understands how we can add revenue and improve the guest experience to Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World.
"We see this as a fantastic first step into the China market."
Mr Lu said he was optimistic about the future of his partnership with Magic Memories.
"I have watched this company build its business over the past few years and have been impressed with how they understand the guest journey and how their product adds value at many levels.
"Magic Memories operates a very different model from any competitors.
"I approached them because their photography solutions have huge potential and my research tells me they will be very successful in China," Mr Lu said.
Magic Memories launched its China operation on January 13 and initial results had exceeded expectations.
Mr Lu expected to secure more sites in China over this year, with many potential partners impressed with what they saw.
The launch is the latest in the Magic Memories global expansion, which has resulted in operations at more than 70 attractions throughout New Zealand, Australia, Europe and South Africa, with a United States-based sales team also established within the last few months.
Mr Wikstrom said the company had "stepped up" its international growth and was excited about future opportunities.
