The Guangzhou-based airline is the only domestic carrier that flies to New Zealand, following the opening of a Guangzhou-Auckland route in April 2011. Two more routes are due to be launched soon, connecting the southern city with Christchurch and Wellington.

Under the agreement, China Southern passengers can get visas without showing proof of property or employment.

"The Guangzhou-Auckland daily flight has become a major route for the company and is in high demand by both Chinese and foreign travelers," said Tan, adding the service has boosted the number of Chinese tourists to New Zealand by almost 40 percent since it was launched.

Sources with Guangdong tourism authorities said the number of inbound tourists decreased by 2.6 percent year-on-year to reach 107 million in 2012.

But agencies in Guangzhou said they are already planning new services for foreign visitors staying for 72 hours.

Lu Yujing, a sales manager with GZL International Travel Service, said: "A growing number of foreign business travelers have canceled their trips due to the global economic downturn.

"The authorities should introduce some incentive measures, such as the visa-free transit policy, to attract more foreign visitors."

Liu Weifeng contributed to this story.