Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) have announced a landmark agreement to cooperate and solve issues affecting the MICE industry on both sides of the Tasman—including pushing for a travel bubble.
The peak bodies have been working closely with their respective governments to have business events green-lit, with New Zealand successfully abolishing their restrictions this week.
The landmark agreement means both groups will combine their influence to leverage governments in Australia and New Zealand to have restrictions on gatherings lifted and trans-Tasman travel allowed for attendees.
“It makes sense to have a common voice when advocating for change”
BECA Chair, Dr Vanessa Findlay said working with CINZ will have a significant benefit for the region’s MICE industry.
“Business events are such significant economic drivers and a fast way of encouraging trade and investment. A collaboration between CINZ and BECA will facilitate maximum benefit for both our countries,” Dr Findlay said.
“It is an important lever for business recovery that attendees from both countries can travel across the Tasman.”
“The close relationship of our countries, the reliance we have on each other, means it makes sense to have a common voice when advocating for change, especially at this time of tremendous economic impact on our industry.”
Lisa Hopkins, CEO of CINZ agreed, saying the pandemic has created a unique opportunity for both organisations to come together and push for the business events industry.
“COVID-19 has impacted business events on both sides of the Tasman in an unprecedented
way,” said Ms Hopkins. “However, it has also created opportunity and conversation amongst organisations who would not normally align, and our agreement with BECA is an example of this.”
Dr Findlay and Ms Hopkins both believe a unified voice is necessary to attract international business events and win bids.
“Australia and New Zealand are leading the way in managing the pandemic and have shown strong leadership,” says Dr Findlay. “Working together, both markets can now solidify their position as being safe, trusted destinations for business events.”
“When it comes to competitive bids, each Association will continue to act in the best interest of their markets,” says Hopkins. “However, this is a unique relationship at a unique time. Both Vanessa and I believe a unified voice from this part of the world makes sense, giving customers and our industry greater confidence that it’s safe to attend business events.”
