Tourism New Zealand is embarking on an ambitious mission to secure a record-breaking NZD$135 million (AUD $124 million) worth of international conferences in the coming years, aiming to bolster the recovery of the sector and the country as a whole.

Following a successful fiscal year 2023 that saw 84 bids worth NZD $120 million (AUD $110 million), Tourism New Zealand aims to bid for 90 international conferences in FY24, capitalising on the upward trajectory of the global business events industry.

Tourism New Zealand chief executive officer, René de Monchy, expressed optimism about the global recovery of the business events industry, emphasising the opportunities available to attract top-tier events that will positively impact New Zealand’s economy, society, culture, and environment.

“Whether it’s conferences that aim to improve equity for women and girls in sport, or will grow New Zealand’s sustainable agri-food-tech sector, business events contribute to our country in many ways, both tangible and intangible,” de Monchy said.

“In FY24 Tourism New Zealand will work hard to support New Zealand’s business events sector to attract business that will also grow knowledge and collaboration across many of society’s important subjects and industries. This target is reflective of the recovery of the business events sector and our aspiration for success in this market, which is New Zealand’s fourth most valuable.”

The economic value of business events in New Zealand was estimated at a substantial $1.48 billion in the year ending June 2019, representing the most recent comprehensive data available prior to the closure of New Zealand’s borders due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite this, bid activity has remained robust, fostering a promising pipeline of conference business that extends through to 2028, reflecting the country’s resilience and determination to maintain its prominence in the international conference arena, even during challenging times.