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Business Events Industry Aotearoa has welcomed the Government’s new Tourism Policy Statement, saying it reinforces the role of business events as a high-value part of New Zealand’s visitor economy.
The statement, released this week, sets out the Government’s priorities for tourism over the next decade and includes “unlocking the value of events and business events” among its eight policy objectives.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the inclusion reflects the value the sector brings through high-value travel, knowledge exchange and stronger off-peak demand.
“Business events generate high-value travel, support knowledge exchange, build investment and trade connections and strengthen off-peak demand,” Lisa says.
The Tourism Policy Statement says events and business events are central to a well-functioning tourism system, supporting year-round visitation, regional dispersal, domestic travel and place-making, while also helping generate value from venues such as stadiums and convention centres.
The document also confirms an events system review is under way to strengthen strategy, coordination and public value across the sector.
Lisa says BEIA is participating in that review and will continue advocating for business events to be recognised for their role in attracting international visitors and delivering wider benefits for communities and businesses.
