Christchurch launches scheme to attract business events
Christchurch is taking the lead in bringing large conferences to New Zealand, launching an incentive scheme to attract more business visitors, who spend twice as much as their leisure counterparts.
The delegate rebate scheme (DRS), the first of its type in New Zealand, is to be administered by Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau. It allows a financial grant of NZD$20.00 per delegate for large conference events requiring 200 accommodation rooms or more in Christchurch.
A consortium of public and private sector entities has financed the DRS as part of the Christchurch Events Fund (CEF), which has recognised the importance of business tourism events to the city.
CCCB General Manager Annette Pendergast says convention events have been recognised as having a good return on investment by the CEF Board.
“A significant economic impact is gained through the high-yield business tourist, especially during the off-peak leisure tourism season,” she says.
“Christchurch has a thriving and prosperous tourism industry, however the exceptionally lucrative nature of business tourism has been recognised by the community.”
Annette Pendergast says research shows conference delegates can spend at least twice as much as leisure tourism visitors.
“While attracted to a conference for business reasons, a delegate may also bring partners and family, extend their stay to holiday in our country, and return on another occasion as a leisure visitor.”
Traditionally, Christchurch has been home to New Zealand’s largest convention events. Christchurch Convention Centre remains New Zealand’s largest and only purpose-built convention facility, while the support of an excellent international airport and the appeal of a South Island destination draws international conventions here.
“We are especially interested in attracting larger conference events, and hosting them to our city during the cooler months, when Christchurch still has so much to offer a visitor looking for the South Island experience,” Annette Pendergast says.
For more information and to download a DRS application form go to: www.christchurchconventions.com
Graham Muldoon
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