MEETINGS 2006, New Zealand’s largest business tourism event in Christchurch this week
The New Zealand city of Christchurch hosts New Zealand’s largest business tourism event, MEETINGS 2006, the only annual dedicated New Zealand gathering for the conference, meetings, and travel incentive industry, this week on 19 and 20 July at the Christchurch Convention Centre.
The key international and domestic conference buyers will be officially welcomed to the city tomorrow (18 July) at a Maori cultural showcase event, Haere Mai MEETINGS 2006, hosted by Christchurch and Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB), the business tourism unit of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism (CCT).
Christchurch has been successful in attracting many large conferences since the launch of its innovative Delegate Rebate Scheme, administered by CCCB, late last year, with 24 applications already approved, contributing $10.3 million of new conference business to Christchurch, and over 19,000 accommodation room nights.
Business tourism is worth well in excess of $40 million per year to the Christchurch economy.
CCCB predicts continuing growth in the large conference sector through 2006 and 2007, with many association-style events scheduled for Christchurch, including the recent International Inner Wheel Convention with 1500 delegates, and UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention in June 2007. Christchurch achieved a 33% growth in Australian delegate numbers in the past 12 months, double the national growth.
Last year Christchurch recorded the largest number of conference events ever in the city, with a 10% increase in annual delegate numbers and a 21% increase in large conference events during 2005 and the city hosted 690 conferences with 42,297 delegates.
CCT Chief Executive, Ian Bougen said, “Australian and international business visitors have a higher yield per visitor than domestic visitors and represent a very lucrative market for the region”. “As well, they are attracted to opportunities for exploring the South Island while they are here, and extended stays provide even more revenue for the wider tourism industry, often during the off-peak season”.
CCCB manager, Annette Pendergast said, “With its convention centre, an international airport close to the city and South Island scenic and cultural attractions on the doorstep, Christchurch is an ideal city to hold large conferences”. “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”.
Further information is available from the CCCB website: www.christchurchconventions.co.nz
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026