Convention centre will benefit tourism & NZ economy

Convention centre will benefit tourism & NZ economy

The new international convention centre in Auckland will create substantial economic benefits for the whole country, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

Welcoming today’s announcement of a deal between the Government and SKYCITY, TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says the new international-scale convention centre will benefit both the tourism industry and the wider New Zealand economy.

“This will allow New Zealand to target a new and lucrative market, for large international conferences which we do not currently have the ability to host. We have lagged behind Australia and other international destinations which have major convention facilities,” Mr Snedden says.

“This is a completely untapped market segment for New Zealand, and will help us boost shoulder and low season travel.”

It is estimated a national convention centre will boost New Zealand’s economy by more than $90 million a year. It is expected to create 1000 jobs during construction and another 800 positions when it is operational.

It will also support many more jobs across the economy, including in the accommodation, catering, transport and retail sectors.

“Many conference delegates will travel around New Zealand before or after their events, while others will choose to return with their families for private holidays,” Mr Snedden says.

The Government has recognised the value of business events, with Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key recently announcing new spending of $34 million over four years to attract conferences, conventions and exhibitions.

Conference delegates are high-spending visitors, spending an average of $318 a night, compared to an international leisure visitor who spends around $208 a night.

“While we acknowledge that there are genuine concerns about issues related to problem gambling, we are confident that the legislative process will provide an opportunity for a thorough examination of the issues.”

TIA has long been advocating for an international convention centre, supported by a network of regional convention centres. The new convention centres planned for Christchurch and Queenstown will support the growth of New Zealand’s business tourism market.

ENDS

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