Business tourism industry applauds Key's vision

News release
6 October 2014

Business tourism industry applauds Key's vision

Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) is welcoming news that Prime Minister John Key is to retain his Tourism portfolio for a third consecutive term, with Hon. Paula Bennett as his new Associate Minister of Tourism.

Sue Sullivan, CINZ Chief Executive says this high-level government focus is exactly what the business tourism industry needs.

“There is still a lot of work to do as New Zealand gears up for a huge business events infrastructure boost.

“We applaud Mr Key for having the big picture in his sights and putting New Zealand on the international stage,” she says.

“With new Convention Centres in Auckland and Christchurch set for opening by 2018, and Wellington and Queenstown also on the cards we can confidently get out and sell our country to the world as a great place to meet, learn and do business,” New Zealand’s business tourism industry leader says.

“Mr Key gets our industry. He and his team understand business events and business tourism and the value of putting them at the top of the government’s growth agenda,” she says.

“We are delighted to know there will be a continued focus on high value and special interest visitors, and ongoing support to attract conventions through Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events funding.”

Sue Sullivan says the new convention centres will have a positive economic impact that extends far beyond their regional boundaries. Many of the delegates who will attend conferences will also take the opportunity to travel to other parts of New Zealand, so the spin-offs will be felt across the country, often in the off-peak season.

“International convention delegates are also valuable to New Zealand because of the knowledge and expertise they bring to the country, while staging them here shines the spotlight on New Zealand and lets New Zealanders share their expertise with the world,” she says.

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