Last chance to sign up for MEETINGS hosted buyer programme

Hosted buyer spots are at a premium with one week to go before applications close for CINZ MEETINGS, New Zealand’s only national business tourism event.

Run by Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), the 20th MEETINGS is being held in Auckland at ASB Showgrounds on 15 and 16 June.

CINZ Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says the show is a sell-out with 190 exhibitors representing venues and suppliers from throughout New Zealand, including 20 new exhibitors. They are set for two days of pre-scheduled appointments with top event organisers looking for the best places to send their delegates.

“Business tourism is major growth industry for New Zealand, and we are seeing high demand from Australian, New Zealand and international buyers who want to meet with the who’s who of our conference and incentive travel industry,” she says.

“Business event delegates are high-value visitors and are spending twice as much per night as other visitors. We have seen a 15 per cent higher spend recorded for 2015, and last year arrivals from Australia were up 10 per cent and international arrivals up eight per per cent.”

CINZ MEETINGS 2016 places are limited, with 100 hosted spots available for Australian buyers and industry media, and another 100 for New Zealand buyers and media. Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand are bringing 50 international buyers and media from North America, China, India and South-East Asia.

Before the two-day show gets underway the Australian hosted buyers and media will have the chance to experience New Zealand first hand on eight different regional familiarisation tours, profiling the activities, accommodation, cuisine, and attractions on offer in each. The next day Auckland Convention Bureau will host them on special itineraries around New Zealand’s largest city to experience top venues, food and attractions.

Sue Sullivan says those who cannot commit to a pre-arranged schedule of appointments or do not fit the criteria for the Hosted Buyer Programme can still attend MEETINGS through the Day Buyer Programme.

Hosted buyer applications for CINZ MEETINGS 2016 close on 18 April. For more information and to apply to attend CINZ MEETINGS 2016 go to http://www.meetings.co.nz/Buyers