Top event planners from New Zealand touched down on the Sunshine Coast for a four-day famil ahead of Convene Queensland which was being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre last week (20-23 July).

Taking advantage of the direct Air New Zealand service to the Sunshine Coast, the group was hosted across the region and experienced signature incentive activities and unique offsite venue offerings to increase future business and incentive group bookings to the region.

The group enjoyed a four-day tour of the region before today attending Convene Queensland, (a business events trade show), being held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“This visit, organised in conjunction with Convene Group, allowed us to host high level event planners from premium companies,” Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford said. “The group was able to experience signature incentive activities and unique offsite venue offerings first-hand.

“The Sunshine Coast offers pristine beaches and a lush hinterland that can cater to groups looking to venture beyond New Zealand cities and destinations for business. The beauty of our region is the direct access to Sunshine Coast Airport via carriers Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.

“Business Events is worth over $40 million to the Sunshine Coast region – it is an outstanding location to showcase the unique experiences and venues demanded by high-end groups. The Sunshine Coast has a stellar portfolio of events for visitors and equally, the area of business events is an important part of the mix and we need to continue to develop and grow this segment.

“This has been a golden opportunity to show key event decision makers what we do best,” added Mr Latchford.

During the visit, the group was treated to meals focusing on local produce at Spicers Clovelly Estate and Spirit House, and experiences such as a flight to Fraser Island, breakfast and VIP animal encounters at Australia Zoo.