AusLeisure

With the New Zealand Government announcing today that main construction work will soon get underway on new Christchurch’s convention and exhibition centre, convention industry leaders see that demand is already high for the new venue.

With the Christchurch Centre set to be ready for business in 2020, Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Chief Executive Sue Sullivan says there is growing international demand for this style of premium facility.

Sullivan stated “with lead-times for major conferences between three to eight years and a long pipeline for future business, we can now confidently go out and book Christchurch for 2020 and beyond.

“We have seen strong interest in Christchurch at recent trade events in Auckland and Sydney. Conference organisers are telling us they want stand-out design and flexible space in an attractive, walkable city centre with quality accommodation and excellent international and domestic air connectivity.

“The inspiring building and central riverside setting creates a strong sense of place for delegates. Overlay that with the unique cultural aspects Christchurch offers, the warmth of hospitality and South Island experiences on the doorstep and this is a compelling proposition.”

With the larger New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, followed by Christchurch, New Zealand is set to capture a bigger slice of the international multi-day convention market.

Sullivan added “the convention industry is a major driver for our tourism industry and the Christchurch convention centre will impact on the economic success of the entire South Island. Regional New Zealand will also benefit from both these new venues in Auckland and Christchurch through pre and post-event touring, related sub-conferences and educational site visits.”

Convention visitors stay longer and spend more than other visitors to New Zealand. Last year international conference visitors stayed an average of six nights, spending an estimated $334 per night, double the average spend for all international visitors (Convention Delegate Survey - Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment for the year to December 2016).

Image: Artist’s impression of the Christchurch Centre design. 

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