International Business Tourism Arrivals Strong

PRESS RELEASE

International Business Tourism Arrivals Strong

May 18 2009, Auckland: New Zealand is maintaining its allure as an international convention destination even in the current challenging economic climate - particularly with the Australian market.

“International convention arrivals are holding up well with only a slight 1% decrease for the year ending March 2009 compared to same period last year, which is very heartening,” says Alan Trotter, CEO of Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). “Australia in particular is looking very strong and a market we will continue to target.”

Growing Trans-Tasman business tourism arrivals into New Zealand is key for CINZ and its Australian marketing has been boosted with a new Australian call centre coming on stream at the beginning of July.

This will involve regularly communication with CINZ qualified corporate, association and PCO/agent Australian databases in a bid to generate business leads for CINZ members.

“Tourism New Zealand has also channelled some new budget towards increasing CINZ’s marketing presence and as a result CINZ’s Sydney based team has appointed a new business development manager to help drive more conferences to New Zealand,” Mr Trotter says.

He adds that at a local level the corporate conference market remains subdued, but will be buoyed by the industry’s annual trade show MEETINGS 2009 being held in late July in Auckland, which will drive more business their way.

“Exhibitor space at the show is sold out and the atmosphere is very positive. It’s the prime opportunity for New Zealand operators to show corporates what they have to offer.”

Mr Trotter also reiterates that the current economic climate is the perfect opportunity for local corporates to make the most of the diverse range of conference product available within New Zealand and conference locally, at the same time supporting domestic product. “This way they are pumping much needed money back into the New Zealand economy while supporting local businesses at the same time.

“Travel and conference budgets have tightened due to the current economic climate, but conferences are still an integral part of business and are still happening, albeit it on tighter purses strings.”

Conference and incentive business is worth $1 billion dollars a year to the New Zealand economy, with domestic conferencing making up 80 percent of this figure.

MEETINGS 2009 is being held on July 21, 22 and 23 at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre. The expo showcases a diverse range of New Zealand’s key destinations, venues, products and services for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive travel programmes and is perfect for anyone planning a business tourism event.

In an effort to attract even more corporate buyers to the show, this year for the first time the expo is opening early, exclusively for Day Buyers. The show is opening half a day earlier than usual to give Day Buyers an opportunity for dedicated time with exhibitors on Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm in an appointment free setting.

For more information visit www.meetings.co.nz

MEETINGS 2009 is New Zealand’s only annual national convention and incentive (C&I) tradeshow and is hosted by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).

ENDS

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