New Zealand celebrates record-breaking year for conferences

New Zealand has celebrated a record year for international conference business, exceeding its 2015/16 target of 60 conference bids with 71 international bids and a 72 per cent success rate.

Tourism New Zealand marked the success with an evening function recognising 22 of the experts from across New Zealand who have helped bring around 15,000 international business delegates to the country, contributing an estimated $31 million to the New Zealand economy. The estimated value from all conferences bid for and won in the last financial year is $96.3 million.

Lisa Gardiner, Business Events and Premium Manager Tourism New Zealand, says: “These are a diverse range of people from university academics to health sector professionals who have worked with us to champion their field of expertise on the global stage and attract major conferences to New Zealand. It’s great to be able to recognise their efforts and encourage others to take up the mantle and help us attract even more international conferences to our shores.”

Tourism New Zealand actively started targeting the business events market in 2012, bidding for seven international conferences and winning five. It particularly targets international events in sectors where New Zealand excels, such as the marine industries, agribusiness, health science and high-value foods.

New Zealand has now set its sights on 80 international conference bids in the 2016/17 year, its most ambitious target yet. Since June, the team has already confirmed 20 events, which are expected to bring 12,800 delegates to New Zealand and deliver an estimated $26.5m to the New Zealand economy.

www.tourismnewzealand.com