Business Tourism on the Increase

                  PRESS RELEASE

Business Tourism on the Increase

25 July 2008, Auckland : Business tourism injects around $1 billion a year into the New Zealandeconomy – a figure that is poised for healthy growth over the coming months.

“Despite the country’s touted economic downturn and falling inbound tourism numbers, business tourism is healthy and we are looking to grow it even further,” says Alan Trotter, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) CEO.

International conventions contribute $250 million a year to the economy and the balance comes from domestic business.

“The majority of the international dollar spend comes from Australia and CINZ will be concentrating on that market and looking to further increase trans-Tasman traffic,” Trotter says.

“Given the backdrop of global economic turmoil and the cost pressures on corporates around the world, it now makes even more sense for an Australian business to hold their meeting in New Zealandas they can effectively get an international experience for a domestic price.

“While long-haul conference numbers may drop Australia is close and affordable – a market sitting right on our doorstep.”

An integral part of growing New Zealand’s domestic and international C&I business is the annual MEETINGS 2008 tradeshow, which is expected to result in around $180 million of business being secured.

Buyers from New Zealand, Australia and India will be at the two-day showcase on July 30 and 31 at the Westpac Arena in Christchurch, where 170 exhibitors will be showcasing a diverse range of New Zealand’s key destinations, venues, hotels, products and services for conventions, meetings, exhibitions, events and incentive travel programmes.

During last year’s MEETINGS show $25 million of C&I business was booked during the two days, with a further $164 million worth of business planned in the subsequent 6 – 12 months.  MEETINGS 2008 organisers are hoping this year’s event will offer exhibitors similar business benefits.

NB: CINZ will release its new seven year strategy aimed at doubling international business tourism revenue at MEETINGS 2008 on Thursday 31 July.

MEETINGS 2008 is New Zealand’s only annual national convention and incentive (C&I) tradeshow and is hosted by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand(CINZ).

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