Sights Set on Doubling International Contribution

Sights Set on Doubling International Contribution

31 July 2008, Christchurch : Doubling the international business tourism contribution to the New Zealand economy is one of the main focuses of a new industry strategy.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) announced today at MEETINGS 2008 in Christchurch, that as part of its new strategy, it is aiming to increase the annual international business tourism spend to $500 million by 2015.

“Conventions and incentives currently contribute $1 billion a year to the New Zealandeconomy.  The international market accounts for about a quarter of that and we want to double that figure to $500 million,” says Alan Trotter, CINZ CEO.

“One of the key target markets is Australia , both association and corporate conferences and incentive business.  Australia is a viable market that is sitting right on our doorstep and with the current backdrop of global economic turmoil and the cost pressures on corporates, conferencing in New Zealandis a viable choice for Australians.

“The exchange rate is favourable, duty free prices are some of the cheapest in the world and they still get an international trip for basically the same as a domestic Australian one.”

With this in mind CINZ will be increasing its marketing activity in Australia and doubling its staff, with a new business development manager starting in six weeks.

CINZ will also target the North American and Asian incentive market and is looking into establishing two marketing roles in these countries to achieve it.  An exploratory trip to India is planned for next year.

Other key parts of the strategy include:

Doing more market research and the results conveyed to stakeholders.
Establishing a sustainability action group to ensure all CINZ members sign up to global best practices in C&I operations.
Strengthening the strategic working relationship with Air New Zealand Tourism New Zealand .
Continuing to lobby for improved infrastructure in New Zealandto cater for growing C&I activity.  This includes continuing to push for a new national convention centre in Auckland .
 

New Zealand’s domestic market is a very important one and the annual MEETINGS show is the highlight on the calendar.

It is expected to result in around $180 million of business being secured, with buyers from New Zealand, Australia and Indiaat the two-day showcase at the Westpac Arena in Christchurch .

170 exhibitors are showcasing a diverse range of New Zealand’s key destinations, venues, hotels, products and services for conventions, meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive travel programmes.

During last year’s MEETINGS show $25 million of C&I business was booked during the two days, with a further $164 million worth of business planned in the subsequent 6 – 12 months.  MEETINGS 2008 is expected to offer exhibitors similar business benefits.

Independent research done by an industry trade publication has rated the two-day CI& tradeshow as the best in Australasia .  MEETINGS 2008 concludes this afternoon.

MEETINGS 2008 is New Zealand’s only annual national convention and incentive (C&I) tradeshow and is hosted by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand(CINZ).

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