Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has announced its decision to move this year’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa and New Zealand Tourism Awards online.

Originally planned for 1 September and then rescheduled to 29 November in Hamilton, both events will now be hosted virtually, which TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said would ensure the sharing of major industry updates.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can move everything to an online event whilst maintaining the energy and networking aspects of a physical event,” Roberts said.

Some of the Summit speakers were already due to beam in virtually from other parts of the world, and TIA plans to include some surprises and networking opportunities through virtual breakout rooms to create space for discussion and connection.

“It’s also important we get together as an industry to recognise the incredible achievements of our Awards finalists and winners – while we can’t all gather in one place for dinner, we can still celebrate online, perhaps dressed up and with a celebratory drink at hand!”

Delegates registered for Tourism Summit Aotearoa will have their ticket transferred to the online event and will receive the remaining amount as a refund. TIA welcomes any additional delegates who were not able to travel to the physical event, with additional tickets going on sale next week.

The online Awards function will be free to attend, with all dinner ticket holders receiving a full refund.

TIA intends to bring both events to the Waikato region in 2022.