October 12, 2021 | By Bronwen Largier
A recent survey of Australian corporate, association and not-for-profit event organisers by Tourism New Zealand has shown strong potential for New Zealand’s business pipeline, with almost two thirds of respondents considering New Zealand for an event within the next four years.
Almost 100 organisers were surveyed, with 64 percent saying they were looking at New Zealand as a destination. Only 18 percent were looking at the USA and 17 percent were considering Europe for events.
“New Zealand has three new, world-class convention centres coming online in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, plus new international brand hotels which improve New Zealand’s events infrastructure and show event organisers that New Zealand has what their clients need,” said Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager of domestic and business events, Bjoern Spreitzer.
“We’re offering business events funding and support that is flexible, competitive and business-specific to ensure we make the most of these trans-Tasman prospects.”
Australian organisers flagged New Zealand’s rewarding experiences, unique culture and hospitality as strengths of the destination, while indicating suitable venue and accommodation options and the cost and time it takes to get to a destination were also key factors in destination choice.
“New Zealand’s warm hospitality and unique culture have always made us stand out from the crowd. Combined with our ability to deliver rewarding, unique and memorable experiences we are a very compelling destination for business events,” said Spreitzer.
Tourism New Zealand has identified the logistical side of travel to the nation from Australia as an area where there is opportunity to reduce perception barriers.