NEW ZEALAND. Staff at The Loop Duty Free at Auckland Airport donned their favorite rugby jerseys (instead of their usual corporate uniform) yesterday to mark the arrival of the British and Irish Lions rugby team in New Zealand.
The staff of the Aer Rianta International-owned retailer were among the first Kiwis to get a glimpse of the British and Irish Lions contingent as they touched down at Auckland International Airport and made their way through to customs.
The arrivals store has been decked out with goal posts, supporters’ kits and “all things rugby” so that international visitors arriving in New Zealand over the next six weeks will feel engaged with the of ‘Kick off your tour here’.
Gearing up: The Loop Duty Free staff welcome the British and Irish Lions players and supporters to the land of the long white cloud (and of the mighty All Blacks)
Just before the touring team touched down in Auckland, The Loop team member Angela Akai said:
“International rugby fever has arrived in-store at The Loop Duty Free. Our team are looking forward to being amongst the first Kiwis to welcome the army of Lions supporters that will be arriving over the next few weeks.”
The Loop Duty Free New Zealand General Manager Tom Byrne said:
“It’s not every day that our team gets to experience the phenomenon that is the British and Irish Lions, but I may be biased as an Irishman [yes, you are Tom -Ed]. This is going to be a really busy time for all retailers at the airport and our team at The Loop Duty Free are fully prepared for this and looking forward to welcoming all of the supporters and team members to Auckland.”
An estimated 20,000 supporters are expected to travel to New Zealand for the 2017 British and Irish Lions Tour which takes place during June and July. The tour includes three test matches against thrice Rugby World Cup champions the All Blacks.
