Meetings 2013, a two-day showcase of New Zealand’s business events industry, drew 180 exhibitors, about 190 hosted buyers and 350 day buyers. The 17th annual show, organized by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), was held at Auckland SkyCity Convention Centre June 26-27.
News for the convention industry was upbeat following an announcement earlier this year by the New Zealand government that Tourism New Zealand would receive an additional $24 million in funding for 2013-2014, beginning in July. Tourism New Zealand plans to invest about $27 million in international business events over the next four years.
“With the new government funding for Tourism New Zealand recently announced, the coming year will see greater focus on the international business events sector as a means of attracting higher-value visitors to this country,” said Alan Trotter, CEO of CINZ.
Trotter revealed that there are three new convention facilities being discussed for New Zealand, one in Auckland, another in Christchurch and a third in Queenstown, which will result in a total capacity increase of around 6,000 delegates.
Outside markets that Tourism New Zealand will focus on will be the U.S., Australia, China and Southeast Asia.
The target for North America will be the association market and the incentive market, according to Tourism New Zealand’s acting chief executive, Justin Watson.
“New Zealand has a really unique product offer, especially in the incentive space. When we get the new Auckland convention center built and we go to the next level it will be really attractive for associations,” Watson said.
Watson noted that Air New Zealand offers direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu and Vancouver, British Columbia.
