Auckland Airport welcomes convention centre decision

Media statement – 12 June 2011

Auckland Airport welcomes Government international convention centre decision

Auckland Airport today welcomed the decision of the Government to select Sky City as the preferred developer of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). The new international sized 3500-seat centre, to be located between Hobson and Nelson streets in the Auckland CBD, is expected to boost tourism and create a significant number of new jobs and add to Auckland’s appeal as a business destination.

Chief executive of Auckland Airport, Simon Moutter, said “This Government decision is outstanding news for the New Zealand and Auckland visitor industry. The convention and conference sector is a very high-value and competitive aspect of the global visitor industry, and we’re totally supportive of this choice to develop a world-class international convention centre, right in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, to be run by a proven and high-quality operator in Sky City.

“This decision will enable much more of the high-value convention market to be targeted by the New Zealand industry, and will help drive growth in tourism and trade, and ultimately economic value, for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. We look forward to working with Sky City, airlines, and the tourism industry to help identify and capitalise on the inbound visitor opportunities this centre will generate.”

Sky City have said they will aim for the New Zealand International Convention Centre to be opened in January 2015.

ENDS

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