Auckland Airport has unveiled its new FIFA-themed International Arrivals area in honour of the FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup 2023, which kicks off in New Zealand and Australia from July 20.
The new area features a grandstand and a mock football pitch to welcome fans and players visiting New Zealand for the tournament.
People will be encouraged to use an interactive flag backdrop on an animated screen for photographs by changing the flag of their country or their favourite team by using a dedicated tablet on display.
AKL Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker said he wanted to offer players and fans a warm Kiwi welcome and to create a moment that resembled walking out of the players' tunnel and on to the pitch.
According to SimpleFlying.com, the month-long, global tournament is sure to attract tens of thousands of fans, and the airports and airlines in Australia and New Zealand are preparing to make the most of the occasion.
New Zealand is expecting to welcome more than 300 000 visitors for the World Cup, including more than 20 000 from North America, as Canada and the United States are among the 32 finalist teams.