Penelope Ryan
Aotearoa New Zealand Raises the Bar for Business Events
New Zealand is positioning itself as one of the world's leading destinations for international conferences and business events, with Tourism New Zealand unveiling ambitious plans to secure conference bids worth a record NZ$253 million in the coming financial year.
The announcement highlights the growing strength of New Zealand's business events sector and reinforces the country's reputation as a world-class destination for conferences, conventions, incentive travel and corporate meetings.
Tourism New Zealand's Global Manager Business Events, Penelope Ryan, says the organisation is building on an exceptionally successful year that saw the country achieve its highest-ever conference bidding value.
"We're delighted to be closing out this financial year hitting our targets of 110 bids worth NZ$185 million in value, which is the highest we've ever reached," Ryan said.
The organisation will maintain its target of securing 110 conference bids in the coming year while significantly increasing the projected value target to NZ$253 million.
Business Events Deliver Major Economic Benefits
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| NZICC |
According to new data released by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), multi-day conferences generated an impressive NZ$925 million in economic activity across New Zealand during 2025. These events also contributed more than 735,000 international visitor nights, providing significant benefits to hotels, restaurants, transport operators and tourism businesses nationwide.
The business events sector is increasingly recognised as a key contributor to New Zealand's knowledge economy, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and international engagement across a wide range of industries.
Government Funding Boost Strengthens Conference Bidding
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| New Zealand |
The funding will strengthen Tourism New Zealand's Conference Assistance Programme, helping attract more international conferences, conventions and incentive travel groups to destinations throughout the country.
The enhanced support is expected to increase New Zealand's competitiveness when bidding against other global conference destinations and help secure more high-value events over the coming years.
Global Recognition for New Zealand's Recovery
New Zealand's business events industry is also receiving international recognition for its strong post-pandemic recovery.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) recently named New Zealand an "early recovery leader" in its annual global rankings for 2025. The country climbed to 45th place globally, improving from 48th position in 2024.
Significantly, the number of international association meetings hosted in New Zealand during 2025 exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 levels, demonstrating the sector's remarkable resilience and growth.
These results reflect increasing confidence among international event organisers in New Zealand's ability to deliver world-class conferences and large-scale business gatherings.
World-Class Convention Centres Driving Growth
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| New Zealand |
The country now boasts three world-class convention centres located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, creating a strong national network capable of hosting major international events.
These facilities are attracting conferences and conventions from around the world while supporting regional economic development and tourism growth.
Ryan notes that New Zealand's reputation as a safe, welcoming and easily accessible destination continues to resonate strongly with international event planners.
Growing Demand from International Markets
Tourism New Zealand is also witnessing increasing interest from corporate and incentive travel groups across key global markets.
North America, Australia and South-East Asia are emerging as particularly strong sources of demand, with many organisations looking beyond traditional European destinations for fresh and unique business event experiences.
New Zealand's combination of stunning natural landscapes, innovative event facilities, high safety standards and memorable visitor experiences is proving increasingly attractive for companies seeking distinctive conference and incentive travel destinations.
As global business travel continues to recover and evolve, New Zealand is well positioned to capture a growing share of the international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.
A Bright Future for New Zealand Business Events
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The ambitious NZ$253 million target demonstrates confidence in the country's ability to attract high-value international conferences while delivering lasting economic, social and knowledge-sharing benefits for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
As organisations worldwide seek inspiring destinations for meetings and conferences, New Zealand continues to strengthen its position as one of the most compelling business events destinations in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Tourism New Zealand
Website: https://www.tourismnewzealand.comConference Assistance Programme Website: https://www.tourismnewzealand.com/business-events
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Website: https://www.beia.co.nz
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Website: https://www.iccaworld.org
For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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