A new partnership in Christchurch has been launched to help bring more business events to New Zealand’s second-largest city.
Spearheaded by Tourism New Zealand, ChristchurchNZ and Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the Business Events Christchurch campaign has been established to put Christchurch on the map as a destination for business events.
The new collaborative approach follows key infrastructure developments, with Te Pae Christchurch convention centre set to launch in October, as well as a range of new and upgraded hotels, restaurants, venues and technology services also coming online.
ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Heaphy said Ōtautahi Christchurch is re-emerging as a premier destination for business events.
“We are a vibrant and modern urban centre capable of hosting large-scale events while offering delegates a boutique city experience with easy access to spectacular natural landscapes,” Ms Heaphy said.
“We are confident this campaign will enhance the perception of our city in this space and boost the economic value of this sector to our region.”
Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele said when Te Pae Christchurch opens later this year it will mark a new era for events and conferences in Christchurch.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Business Events Christchurch, an exciting new direction for the industry in Christchurch. By working together we have an opportunity to make a real difference, not just to the business events sector in Christchurch, but also in the economic, social and legacy benefits that will follow,” Mr Steele said.
Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events, Lisa Gardiner said Tourism New Zealand works closely with ChristchurchNZ, Te Pae and the city’s leading knowledge hubs to support bids for international conferences through its Conference Assistance Programme.
“Bringing international conferences to the city not only highlights Christchurch’s key strengths, but attracts high-value visitors to New Zealand – both in terms of economic value, and the knowledge they can share,” Ms Gardiner said.
