With this investment, New Zealand is poised to further establish itself as a key destination for international business events. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/imagoDens
The business events sector in New Zealand has received a significant boost with the announcement of an additional NZ$3 million (US$1.7 million) in funding from the government.
The investment, which comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and is part of the Tourism Boost package, aims to attract international conferences and incentive business to the country and is expected to generate more than NZ$30 million in incremental spending.
This announcement was made by New Zealand’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. Speaking at the event, Minister Upston emphasised the importance of bolstering conference visitor numbers. “To boost conference visitor numbers, it makes sense to supercharge the Conference Assistance Programme work that is already happening in Tourism New Zealand,” she said.
Such additional funding will assist organisations, including universities, in bidding to host international conferences in New Zealand. It will also support efforts to attract high-value incentive business. According to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), this investment is crucial for New Zealand to remain competitive in the global business events arena, which is valued at an estimated US$1.6 trillion.
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“The three new convention centres are expected to create 1,400 new jobs, generate over 300,000 room nights annually and contribute direct spending in excess of NZ$150 million,” Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, explained. This figure excludes the additional economic benefits generated when international delegates extend their stays to explore other parts of the country.
The impact of the business events industry on New Zealand’s economy is already evident. For example, a recent Infometrics analysis revealed that Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre contributed NZ$77 million to New Zealand's GDP in 2024, supporting 693 full-time equivalent jobs across the country. Hopkins also highlighted that business events bring more than just economic benefits, as they create long-term legacies, positively influence society and enhance New Zealand’s reputation on the global stage.
Business events also contribute to spreading visitor spending throughout the year, particularly during off-peak times, winter, and shoulder seasons. "Business events visitors meet at off-peak times, boosting the visitor spend during the week and throughout winter and shoulder seasons," Hopkins said. "They stay longer and spend more than leisure visitors."