The Government is investing an additional $3 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to secure more business events for New Zealand, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says, and the boost has been strongly welcomed by key sector organisations.
“On top of my recent Tourism Boost announcements for a new Australia campaign and a regional fund, we’re giving business events a boost.
“We know business event participants spend $175 more per day than other visitors on average, and importantly they often visit in the off-peak period between March and November.
“This funding will allow Tourism New Zealand to increase their annual conference bid development from 90 to 110 bids, attract high-value incentive programmes, and enhance New Zealand’s presence at key international trade events.”
Secure Business Events
The additional activity aims to secure business events for New Zealand that will deliver more than $30 million in incremental spend to the economy.
“This is a chance to showcase our new conference facilities, fantastic hotels, and experiences, and pitch New Zealand as a world class location for business events.
“To boost conference visitor numbers, it makes sense to supercharge the Conference Assistance Programme work that is already happening in Tourism New Zealand.”
The funding is available to any organisation, including universities, to bid to host an international conference in New Zealand. Support is also available to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand.
This funding is part of the Tourism Boost package, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity and deliver economic growth. “My message is clear, New Zealand is open for business and we are looking forward to welcoming more business visitors soon,” Louise Upston says.
‘Timely Boost’ – Restaurant Association
“Business visitors are exactly the kind of high-value tourists our hospitality sector needs, spending significantly more per day than the average visitor and often travelling during the quieter seasons,” said Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois.
“With hospitality businesses facing ongoing challenges due to reduced consumer spending and the rising cost of living, this funding is a timely boost for the industry. Increased business tourism will help drive much-needed revenue into our restaurants, cafes, and bars, supporting hospitality businesses across the country.
“By leveraging New Zealand’s world-class venues, dining experiences, and service culture, we can strengthen our reputation as a premium destination for business tourism. We look forward to working alongside industry partners to ensure visiting delegates experience the best of New Zealand hospitality while they are here.”
‘Exceptional Day For Events Sector’ – BEIA
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Chief Executive, Lisa Hopkins says this is an exceptional day for the events sector of the visitor economy as it demonstrates confidence that business events are a source for growth.
“It signals that New Zealand is actively recognising the importance of business events, and this new funding helps level the playing field with our main competitor, Australia.
“This is a high-spend, high-value sector. The global business events industry is valued at $1.6 trillion USD.
“New Zealand’s business events industry has come of age with investment in world-class infrastructure with new conventions centres, Te Pae Christchurch and Tākina in Wellington, and the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland opening early next year,” Hopkins says.
“The three new convention centres are expected to create 1400 new jobs, over 300,000 room nights annually and direct spend in excess of $150M. This excludes downstream economic contribution or when the international delegate stays on as a tourist and visits other parts of the country.
“Our industry association has been seeking support for the sector for two decades.
“We know that we have brilliant infrastructure and the downstream financial effects are proven. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, for example, is making a significant impact on the national economy.”
According to recent Infometrics analysis, Te Pae contributed $77 million to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 693 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the country for the year to November 2024.
“Business events are much more than economic contributors, they also heavily influence positive outcomes for society, communities, and create long-term legacies, and they lift New Zealand on the world stage,” Hopkins says.
“Business events visitors meet at off-peak times, boosting the visitor spend during the week and throughout winter and shoulder seasons. They stay longer, and spend more than leisure visitors.
Tourism New Zealand
“This is a collaborative effort with Tourism New Zealand, regional convention bureaux, professional conference organisers, venues and hotels, and raft of businesses across a broad range of sectors including hospitality, technology, and creative services all working together to create success.
The funding is available to any organisation, including universities, to bid to host an international conference in New Zealand. Support is also available to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand.
This funding is part of the Tourism Boost package, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity and deliver economic growth.
The Conference Assistance Programme details:-
- More information can be found at: Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme | Business Events
