New Zealand is finding favour with Australian conference organisers, posting a 33% increase in business events visitors from across the Tasman in September 2016 compared to the same month in 2015. The latest International Visitor Arrivals statistics from New Zealand’s Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment also show Australian business events visitors up from 32,368 for the year-end September 2012, to 39,312 year-end September 2016.

Traditionally the months of September, October, and November are high-movement months for business events, and when New Zealand experiences the highest delegate arrivals for the year. Lisa Gardiner, Manager Business Events and Premium, Tourism New Zealand, says: "The Australian market is increasingly considering New Zealand amongst their domestic destinations for business events. This has been brought on by favourable exchange rates and increased flight capacity.

“New Zealand is unique in being able to offer conference programmes where delegates attend business sessions in the morning, jet boat or enjoy a game of golf in the afternoon and top it all off by dining at a vineyard." Major new projects set to expand New Zealand's conference capacity are also attracting high levels of interest. The New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland and new convention centres in Christchurch and Wellington are set to open in 2019, adding further options for large-scale events.

Increased flight capacity on key routes between New Zealand and Australia, and a new direct flight linking the two capital cities, Canberra and Wellington, have also increased New Zealand's appeal.

To meet the increased interest, Tourism New Zealand has appointed Samantha Kent in the role of Business Events bid manager, working alongside Helen Bambry in the Sydney office. Kent was most recently Business Development Manager at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Gardiner says: "We have identified Australia as a growth market for business events and the creation of this new role reflects this. We now have two full-time bid managers who will be identifying and driving opportunities from Australia. Samantha brings with her a wealth of experience attracting high value business opportunities and we are delighted to have her in the team.”

Kent adds: "I am looking forward to promoting New Zealand as an attractive business events destination. New Zealand has a range of great existing facilities and ones being constructed that are sparking the interest of those looking to hold an event."

If you would like to find out more about Tourism New Zealand, please visit www.businessevents.newzealand.com