The New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyor (NZIQS) has secured the right to host the 20th Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) Congress in Christchurch against strong international competition.

The congress will be held in May 2016 and will bring 400 delegates to Christchurch and add an estimated$1.2 million into the local economy.

“This is a timely win for Christchurch as we get back onto the world stage as an inspiring international conference destination,’’ says Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB) manager Caroline Blanchfield.

NZIQS worked with CCCB, Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and the Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) on putting together the bid for the congress. It was presented at the PAQS conference in Hong Kong early June.

The 20th PAQS Congress will see Christchurch hosting 400 quantity surveyors from all over the Asia-Pacific region for two days of plenary meetings. Many of the conference delegates are expected to bring their partners and families with them and take the opportunity to explore the South Island either before or after the congress, which will provide a boost for the local tourism industry during the off-peak winter season.

“We are delighted to be able to host delegates from this confederation of national quantity surveying associations from the Asia-Pacific region and to be able to show them what we are doing in Christchurch. We’ve got a great story to tell and a wealth of experience to share,’’ Ms Blanchfield says.

“We’re confident that securing this conference is the start of great things for our city’s business tourism industry.’’

TNZ’s International Business Events Manager Bjoern Spreitzer says the work Tourism New Zealand is doing in partnership with regional convention bureau is paying off.

This is a timely win for Christchurch as we get back onto the world stage as an inspiring international conference destination

“We are attracting more high-value visitors to the country, who will stay longer and spend more, while at the same time growing New Zealand’s knowledge economy and our reputation abroad,’’ Mr Spreitzer says.

“Christchurch winning the hosting rights to the 20th PAQS Congress is a great example of a collaborative approach, where TNZ, CAP, the bureau and the conference hosts NZIQS have worked together to achieve a successful outcome,” he says.

Brett Jeffery - NZ General Manager

AuSAE

brett@ausae.org.au