NZ Hotel Conference attracts record registrations
A record number of delegates have registered to attend this year’s New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference, 4 June, The
Langham, Auckland, reflecting the positive momentum this sector is experiencing.
“We passed the 300 mark on Friday and had to close off registrations – the first time this has happened in the
conference’s nine year history,” says Sally Attfield, Hotels Sector Manager at the Tourism Industry Association New
Zealand (TIA), which co-hosts the annual conference with Horwath HTL.
“We are delighted at the response and are preparing for a really inspiring event that will ultimately help New Zealand
hotels build on the great results they have recorded over the past year to become more productive and profitable.”
Horwath HTL Director Stephen Hamilton says the conference programme features a line-up of 30 expert international and
New Zealand presenters and panellists.
“The programme will provide delegates with valuable insight into the hot issues and trends affecting hotels in New
Zealand and globally.
“This ranges from TripAdvisor and Expedia executives presenting on the impact online reviews and new booking technology
are having on hotel guest behaviour, to a discussion on what tomorrow’shotels will look like, including interior design
trends.”
Mr Hamilton says the conference will open with a keynote presentation from Mark Durran of global commercial real estate
company Jones Lang LaSalle on hotel investment in New Zealand and the outlook.
“This is vitally important given our tourism industry is aiming to significantly grow international visitor numbers over
the coming decade.”
Ms Attfield says many conference delegates are also attending the New Zealand Hotel Forum TIA is running the day before
the conference which will tackle two of the sector’s thorniest issues – revenue performance and people and skills.
The conference will conclude with a gala dinner and the presentation of the 2015 New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards.
ENDS