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The Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition, the largest and most influential hotel investment and operations summit, will return to Christchurch on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025, aiming to stimulate investment and advance New Zealand’s hotel sector.
Hosted by HM Magazine and Hotel Council Aotearoa, AHICE Aotearoa 2025 will take place at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, drawing more than 500 of Australasia’s leading hotel owners, operators, consultants and suppliers for two days of networking, panel sessions, hotelier Q&As and keynote discussions shaping the future of New Zealand’s hotel industry.
The conference features keynote addresses from distinguished leaders, including the Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Deputy Leader of the House, who will speak on the sector’s strategic direction, The Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger, who will deliver a welcome address, and STR regional director Matt Burke, who will present “What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond,” offering essential market forecasts and trend analysis. A key investors’ outlook panel moderated by Nick Thompson, executive vice president Hotels for JLL New Zealand, will provide investment insights for the year ahead.
Panel sessions cover topics including regional growth, white-label management, human resources, food and beverage trends, design innovations and more. New for 2025, the INN Tech Hotel Technology Summit will feature a keynote by Singapore-based Enzyme Consulting Founder and CEO, Andrew Cameron, and power sessions reflecting the growing role of technology in hotel operations and guest experiences.
HCA strategic director James Doolan says he is excited to see this significant industry event return to the South Island.
“AHICE Aotearoa has firmly established itself as a must-attend event on New Zealand’s tourism calendar. The Minister for Tourism wants growth and the hotel sector stands ready to help deliver exactly that. Major events like AHICE inject significant economic value into host cities, benefiting everyone from taxi drivers to hospitality businesses. Te Pae’s world-class facilities provide the perfect setting for industry leaders to drive future growth for New Zealand’s tourism industry.”
“Following the tremendous success of our 2024 Christchurch event, we’re thrilled to return to this vibrant, rapidly growing destination,” says AHICE group president and founder James Wilkinson.
“Christchurch’s accommodation sector continues to expand, with new hotel openings and upgrades reinforcing its position as an ideal location for AHICE Aotearoa.
“AHICE has become the largest and most impactful hotel industry conference brand outside the United States, consistently attracting senior international hospitality leaders to New Zealand. Hosting the event in Christchurch for a second time keeps the spotlight on the local industry while showcasing the city’s potential on a global stage.”
The 2025 conference comes at a time of growing optimism for New Zealand’s hotel sector, with new flight connections, increasing visitor arrivals, and significant hotel development projects underway. AHICE Aotearoa will focus on leveraging these positive trends while addressing challenges around sustainability, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks.
The fourth annual AHICE Aotearoa builds on the success of previous events, establishing itself as the premier gathering for the country’s hotel industry. It is an extension of the Asia Pacific event held in Adelaide in May 2025, which was attended by a record 1600 delegates from more than 40 countries, making it the largest accommodation industry event in the APAC region.
For the full program and to register, click here.
