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Technology Queenstown has welcomed Queenstown Airport and Destination Queenstown as new foundation members, strengthening local backing for the district’s growing technology sector ambitions.
Technology Queenstown says support from both organisations will help improve alignment across groups working to build a more resilient and diversified economy for the Queenstown Lakes District.
Technology Queenstown founder Roger Sharp says strong technology ecosystems internationally often rely on support from universities and airports.
“What we know from studying established tech sector ecosystems abroad is that having a local university and airport involved is a key success factor,” Roger says.
“We’ve already achieved a lot with Otago University and now I’m excited to see what we can do in partnership with Queenstown Airport.”
Technology Queenstown chief executive Sarah Russell says there is strong alignment between the organisations around travel technology and innovation.
“We have a strong alignment with both Destination Queenstown and Queenstown Airport around leveraging travel tech to make visitor experiences better and operators more efficient,” Sarah says.
Sarah says Queenstown Airport plays a critical role in supporting international connectivity and economic development in the region.
“We definitely do not take for granted having an international airport, which is central to facilitating a world-class tech economy that thrives on global business connectivity and access,” Sarah says.
Focus on economic diversification
Technology Queenstown says it is working towards a goal of generating $1 billion in annual technology sector GDP by 2043 while creating more high-value employment opportunities in the district.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Wood says the organisation sees strong alignment with Technology Queenstown’s work, particularly around travel technology innovation.
“A strategic focus of Destination Queenstown is supporting a resilient, productive and future-ready visitor economy,” Mat says.
“We see strong alignment with Technology Queenstown’s work, particularly in the area of travel tech, where innovation can help improve visitor experiences, support operators and contribute to the long-term resilience of the district.”
Queenstown Airport chief executive Shane O’Hare says the organisation supports the long-term ambitions of Technology Queenstown.
“Supporting Technology Queenstown is closely aligned to Queenstown Airport’s own thoughtful planning for today and for generations to come,” Shane says.
Technology Queenstown’s existing foundation members include Accenture, One New Zealand, Genesis Energy, SBS Bank, University of Otago, Russell McVeagh, Queenstown Resort College, North Ridge Partners and NZX.
