NZ Back on International MICE Market Itinerary

News Release

New Zealand Back on International MICE Market Itinerary

Auckland, 22 June 2010 – The lucrative meetings and incentives market has picked up internationally with New Zealand back on the map as a destination for long-haul corporate travellers.

The recession led to many corporates cutting their budgets and slashing long haul travel over the last 18 months or so, but this trend is reversing thanks to an improving global economy, according to Alan Trotter, CEO Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).

Mr Trotter has just returned from a joint road show with Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand to San Francisco, Dallas and Minnesota in America spreading the 'Kiwi word'.  Following hot on the heels of this trip CINZ also exhibited at IMEX, an annual international MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) show in Frankfurt, Germany. 

"The mood in both markets is very positive, long haul travel is definitely back on the planning itinerary and New Zealand is a favoured choice.  I'm confident that we can look forward to a strong showing of long-haul bookings over the coming months."

In an move to try and secure some North American, Chinese and Japanese business, a group of buyers are being hosted to New Zealand for MEETINGS 2010, New Zealand's annual MICE tradeshow that begins on Wednesday.

"MEETINGS is the perfect place to entice international buyers to come to New Zealand with the show highlighting the country's top venues, hotels and activities," Mr Trotter says.  "The MICE market injects a billion dollars annually into the New Zealand economy with $280 million of that figure coming from international channels."

The two-day show is being held at Auckland's SKYCITY Convention Centre on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 June, and is an opportunity for suppliers and operators of a diverse range of venues, products and services to meet with conference and incentive travel planners. A large contingent of buyers from Australia and throughout New Zealand will also be attending.

Mr Trotter adds "North American are being further attracted to New Zealand to do business with the introduction of Air New Zealand's new product offering that eradicates the 'too far to travel and too expensive' misnomer."  The new seating configuration onboard the 777-300's offers lie flat comfort at a more affordable price.

"Previously New Zealand was put in the too hard basket for some long haul corporates because of the length of flight, comfort and price - Air New Zealand is about to change that."  The newly configured 777-300's will be launched on flights ex Auckland to Los Angeles in December this year and will be on show at MEETINGS 2010.

 ends

© Scoop Media