International visitors to New Zealand continue to rise
International visitor numbers to New Zealand for August are up 7.5 per cent compared to 2024, according to the latest data.
“We are making steady progress against our goal to return to pre-COVID visitor levels, sitting at 88 per cent of December 2019 numbers,” said New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality minister, Louise Upston.
However, business events figures from the Business Events Data Programme covering the September quarter show the number of business events and the number of attending delegates continue to fall.
Single day conferences were down 14 per cent compared to the previous year, while international events were down one per cent. Overall, delegates are down by 12 per cent compared to the previous year.
The data initiative has recorded falls in both metrics every quarter for the past seven quarters.
The only upside is that the falls during the most recent September quarter are substantially smaller than in the previous few quarters.
New campaign to attract business events to New Zealand
Following the launch of the updated 100% Pure New Zealand campaign for leisure visitors in June, a version for the business events segment has been launched.
The campaign encourages event organisers to develop experiences in New Zealand that deliver on event objectives and that are outside the event’s comfort zone.
“We’re inviting the world to discover that New Zealand isn’t just a place you visit, it’s a place which fosters deep connection, leaving you totally fulfilled,” said Tourism New Zealand’s global manager for business events, Penelope Ryan.
“We know a trip to New Zealand is about more than just landscapes and landmarks.
“There truly is something for every event, whether that’s learning from our leading researchers, authentic engagement with Māori culture, adventure-seeking thrills, finding total rejuvenation in nature or enjoying our world-class culinary scene.
“Growth happens when we stretch ourselves. If you want a legendary event, you want it in New Zealand.”
New Zealand Government working with NZICC to fill convention centre roles
New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is working with the soon-to-open New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland to help the venue find staff.
“With the strong pipeline of events that NZICC already has confirmed, we know there are going to be many job opportunities and MSD will be working closely with SkyCity to help fill permanent and part-time roles, drawing on the talent profiles it holds for Auckland’s job seekers,” said the country’s social development minister, Louise Upston, who is also New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality minister.
“MSD’s relationship with the NZICC and other Auckland employers enables a skilled pipeline of local employees for local jobs in many different roles – many supporting the tourism and hospitality sector.
“Tourism and hospitality are important career paths for New Zealanders and are key parts of growing our economy.
“This will continue to be important for the government as we look to increase our investment in the tourism sector and boost international visitor numbers.”
“More than half (52 per cent) of the people receiving Jobseeker Support in Auckland are moderately to highly skilled, with experience in logistics, transport, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and retail.
“These are people who will have skills transferrable to tourism jobs and other sectors which support tourism growth. With experience already under their belts, they’re ready to hit the ground running in new roles.”
