By James Wilkinson in Auckland
The new 3500-delegate International Convention Centre being built in Auckland is set to provide an economic windfall for the city, says the head of the region’s tourist board.
Speaking exclusively on camera to SPICENEWS and sister publication HM at Meetings 2013 in Auckland yesterday (Jun 26), Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited (ATEED) CEO, Brett O’Riley, said the centre was a key part of the city’s 10-year tourism plan and is a project “Auckland has needed for some time”.
He said the NZD$400 million centre, being developed by SkyCity, is coming at the same time as several new international hotels, which would provide a significant boost to the city’s room stocks.
In the interview, O’Riley also spoke about the impact of Air New Zealand’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, as well as the popularity of sporting tourism and how the convention industry can benefit as a result.
To view the interview, click on the image above.
