Auckland has been named the best meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) destination in Oceania, at the World MICE Awards 2021, for the second year running.

New Zealand’s North Island capital was chosen as the winner through votes cast by MICE industry members internationally, beating fellow nominees Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Wellington.

Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) manager Ken Pereira said the win reinforces the reputation of Auckland – also known as Tāmaki Makaurau in the Māori language – as a desirable business events destination.

“It has been a challenging year for Auckland, and a tough time for the business events sector worldwide, so it is fantastic to receive this recognition,” Pereira said.

While the recent lockdown has impacted Auckland’s business events sector, with many postponing until next year, Pereira said the future pipeline of events is strong.

“The ACB team is securing new bookings and bidding for international bids. Clients both here and overseas are continuing to look to Auckland for their next business event, conference, or incentive trip. This shows the desire to reconnect through face-to-face meetings and events is still there.”

Pereira says business events will play an important role in supporting the growth of and recovery Auckland’s visitor economy.

“With new hotels, venues, attractions and incentive offerings being developed across Auckland, the region is getting more attention from the global business events industry,” he said.

“When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming back delegates to reconnect, share knowledge, and create opportunities in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.”

Auckland City Mayor Phil Goff said the win reflects Auckland’s status as a world-class place to visit and do business.

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on our city, but the things that make Auckland a fantastic destination—our incredible natural environment, people-friendly city centre and world-famous hospitality—are still here waiting to be enjoyed by domestic and international visitors once our borders start to reopen,” he says.

“Our reputation remains strong and is a positive sign for our future recovery as the world starts to reopen.”