New Zealand Tourism Celebrates a Record-Breaking Year in International Conferences, Driving Significant Growth in the Visitor Economy

New Zealand is experiencing an exceptional year in its business events sector, having secured a record number of international conferences that are set to significantly boost the visitor economy. With state-of-the-art convention centres in Christchurch, Wellington, and the soon-to-open Auckland venue, the country is rapidly establishing itself as a top destination for global conferences. Supported by strong government funding and strategic efforts, these wins highlight New Zealand’s growing reputation for hosting world-class events across diverse industries, driving economic growth and enhancing its profile on the international stage.

Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events Sector Marks a Major Milestone with 64 International Conference Wins and a \$78.8 Million Boost to the Visitor Economy

Tourism New Zealand has solidified its reputation as a leading global hub for business events, securing a remarkable 64 international conference victories within the last year. These secured events are projected to inject approximately \$78.8 million into New Zealand’s visitor economy, underscoring the significant economic contribution of the business events sector to the country’s overall tourism landscape.

A Strong Start to the New Financial Year with More Wins

Following the strong performance of the previous year, New Zealand has swiftly secured nine additional conference wins within the very first month of the 2026 financial year. This momentum highlights the growing global interest in hosting conferences and large-scale events across New Zealand’s dynamic convention infrastructure.

At the heart of this growth is the recent investment in state-of-the-art convention centres across three major cities. The Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, and the soon-to-be-opened New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland—scheduled to welcome its first visitors in February 2026—are becoming pivotal hubs that enable the country to attract and accommodate high-profile international gatherings.

These modern venues provide world-class facilities and technology that meet the evolving needs of international delegates and organisers. Their presence is a game-changer for New Zealand’s business events market, allowing the country to compete confidently on the global stage and offer compelling reasons for organisations to choose New Zealand as their conference destination.

Government Support Fuels Record-Breaking Bid Success

Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team has concluded the 2025 fiscal year on a historic high note. Thanks in part to a \$3 million funding boost from the government announced in March 2025, the team exceeded even its most ambitious targets.

Initially, the goal for the year was set at securing 90 conference bids with a combined value of \$140 million. However, the team raised the bar mid-year, setting a stretch target of 110 bids worth \$170 million. Surpassing expectations, the final tally stood at 112 bids valued at \$173 million—a remarkable achievement that reflects the strategic efforts and growing market demand for New Zealand-hosted events.

This funding support has enabled Tourism New Zealand to enhance its global promotional campaigns, expand its bid teams, and strengthen relationships with international conference organisers. The increased resources have also allowed for more tailored and competitive proposals, improving New Zealand’s win rates against other competing destinations.

Showcasing New Zealand’s Unique Appeal

Beyond the tangible economic benefits, securing international conferences also positions New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable and innovative event hosting. The country’s reputation for safety, stunning natural landscapes, and exceptional hospitality creates an appealing backdrop for business events, attracting delegates who seek a balance of productive meetings and memorable experiences.

In addition, the new convention centres have been designed with sustainability at their core, reflecting New Zealand’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship. This resonates well with international organisations prioritising green events and corporate social responsibility, further boosting New Zealand’s appeal.

Highlighting Major Conference Wins

Within the 64 conference victories secured over the past year, a number of distinguished events highlight the broad range and impressive scope of New Zealand’s business events portfolio.

• WONCA World Rural Health Conference 2026: This globally significant gathering of rural health professionals will bring experts from around the world to New Zealand, facilitating critical discussions on rural healthcare delivery and innovation.
• Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum 2027: Focusing on smart transport technologies and urban mobility, this forum will place New Zealand at the forefront of discussions about future infrastructure and intelligent systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
• World Indigenous Cancer Conference 2026: Bringing together healthcare providers, researchers, and indigenous leaders, this event underscores New Zealand’s leadership in indigenous health issues and research.
• International Precision Dairy Farming Conference 2025: Showcasing the latest advancements in agricultural technology and innovative precision farming techniques, this event reflects New Zealand’s leadership and expertise in dairy production and agricultural innovation.

These events reflect not only New Zealand’s capacity to host diverse sectors but also its alignment with global themes such as health, sustainability, technology, and indigenous knowledge.

A Positive Outlook for Business Events Growth

With the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland just months away, the outlook for further growth in international business events is optimistic. This premier venue will significantly increase the country’s ability to host larger-scale events and attract more frequent bookings from international clients.

Moreover, the continued expansion of conference pipelines across the three key city centres promises sustained economic benefits, job creation, and international collaboration opportunities.

Tourism New Zealand remains committed to supporting this sector by delivering high-impact marketing campaigns, forging strategic partnerships, and providing tailored assistance to event organisers. Their proactive approach ensures that New Zealand’s business events market remains competitive and attractive in an increasingly crowded global marketplace.

The Broader Economic Impact

The \$78.8 million projected economic contribution from the recent conference wins is just one part of the broader value business events bring to New Zealand. Conferences and conventions generate substantial income for local businesses including hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and cultural attractions.

Delegates attending these events often extend their stays to explore New Zealand’s unique destinations, contributing further to regional tourism growth. This ripple effect helps diversify the economy and supports sustainable development in communities across the country.

Tourism New Zealand’s success in securing a record number of international conference wins demonstrates the country’s rising stature in the global business events arena. The combination of newly developed convention infrastructure, strong government backing, and a compelling national brand positions New Zealand as a preferred choice for international event organisers.

New Zealand is enjoying a landmark year in securing major international conferences, boosting its visitor economy and strengthening its position as a premier global business events destination. Cutting-edge convention centres and strong government support are driving this impressive growth.

As the sector continues to expand, the economic, social, and cultural benefits will play a vital role in New Zealand’s future tourism growth and international engagement. With major conferences confirmed and more in the pipeline, the next few years look set to further elevate New Zealand’s profile as a world-class destination for business events.

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