Accor New Zealand Selected to Operate Christchurch Convention Centre
Prime Minister The Rt Hon John Key announces Accor as preferred operator of Christchurch Convention Centre
New Zealand’s largest hotel group, Accor, has been selected as the preferred operator for the Master-Planning and
Development stage of the Christchurch Convention Centre, announced today (Thursday 7 August) by Prime Minister, The
Right Honourable, John Key.
Senior Vice President of Accor New Zealand, Pacific Islands and Japan, Garth Simmons, said that the Christchurch
Convention Centre is a significant step in the rebirth of Christchurch and Accor is delighted to work with the Crown and
the preferred consortium to master plan the precinct.
“Accor continues to play an important role in the revitalisation of Christchurch and we are proud to be selected as the
preferred operator to manage the Christchurch Convention Centre for the Master-Planning and Development stage,” said Mr.
Simmons. The Convention Centre will become an iconic infrastructure asset for New Zealand and a major catalyst for the
ongoing re-build of Christchurch.”
“We are not just local hotel operators, but have the strength of being a global hospitality company as well as
experience in operating convention centres across the globe. We are confident that this world–class convention facility,
supported by our strong network of hotels, will drive visitor growth to Christchurch, create jobs, support local
businesses and deliver broader economic benefits to the Canterbury region and New Zealand.”
“We look forward to playing our part and working with Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) and the
consortium, Plenary Conventions New Zealand in developing state-of-the-art convention facilities that re-engage with the
city, and in turn, put Christchurch on the map as a national and international destination for conferences and events,”
said Mr. Simmons.
Globally, Accor manages over 500,000 sqm of convention and exhibition space spanning counties located in the Middle
East, Asia, Europe and India. Across New Zealand and Australia, Accor operates some 110,000 sqm of functional meeting
convention and exhibition space hosting some 70,000 events annually.
Accor was the first hotel group to re-open a hotel in the Christchurch CBD after the February 2011 earthquake and is
actively committed to the people and tourism economy of Christchurch.
ENDS