The New Zealand city of Auckland has been ranked in the top 100 destinations worldwide for hosting international conferences, according to a report from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

The annual ICCA Country and City Rankings measure the number of international conferences hosted in a destination in the 2023 calendar year. 

Auckland is ranked 84th – rising from 173rd globally in 2022 – representing the first time New Zealand’s top ranked city has cracked the top 100 since 2018.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s head of business events, Ken Pereira, says Auckland should continue its rankings climb in coming years with New Zealand International Convention Centre opening in 2025.

“After being voted as the best meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions destination for four consecutive years (2020-2023) at the World MICE Awards, this result is testament to the great appeal of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as a conference destination,” he says.

“It’s recognition the region is a great place to learn, play and do business, and acknowledges the excellent events infrastructure and professionals we have here.

“Winning these international conferences wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful advocates for our city who lead these bids, the great work of the Auckland Convention Bureau team, and the support of the Tourism New Zealand Business Events team.”

The 27 international conferences held in Auckland in 2023 attracted nearly 10,000 delegates and were worth an estimated NZ$18.4 million to the economy.

Auckland has also posted its highest ranking in the Asia Pacific region in 10 years, currently sitting at 15th. 

New Zealand is ranked 43rd in the world in the 2023 country rankings, hosting 56 international conferences in 2023.

Australia is ranked at position 13, with Sydney the top city at 25th.