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International business event arrivals to New Zealand surged in the first quarter of 2026, climbing to near pre-pandemic levels and contributing an estimated $54.1 million to the economy.
According to Statistics New Zealand international arrivals data, more than 16,500 international delegates arrived in New Zealand for business events between January and March 2026, up more than 50 percent year-on-year.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the figures highlight the growing value of the business events sector.
“These results show that the business events sector is delivering real economic value, and supporting New Zealand’s wider knowledge economy,” Lisa says.
“Business events are one of New Zealand’s most valuable visitor segments. Delegates travelling here bring global expertise, networks and knowledge into New Zealand, and support our venues, hotels, hospitality, transport and regional economies.”
Australia remains largest market
Australia remained New Zealand’s largest source of international business event delegates, with 8204 arrivals during the quarter.
That was up 37 per cent on 2025 levels and just 8 per cent below 2019 figures.
The United States recorded 2425 arrivals, up 53 per cent year-on-year and 28 per cent ahead of 2019 levels.
China, Japan, Korea and the United Kingdom also all recorded annual growth.
Lisa says several major conferences held during January helped contribute to the strong start to the year.
Events included the Special Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Auckland, the International Sedimentological Congress 2026 in Wellington and the International Cool Climate Wine Summit in Christchurch.
“We also know anecdotally, that many who attended these conferences, stayed on and travelled around the country as leisure tourists, bringing additional economic value to our regions,” Lisa says.
Global business events growth
The strong New Zealand performance comes amid continued global growth in the business events sector.
The Events Industry Council’s 2026 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, produced with Oxford Economics, found business events generated US$1.8 trillion in direct spending worldwide during 2025 — 12.2 per cent above 2019 levels.
Lisa says New Zealand is well positioned internationally, supported by its reputation as a safe and stable destination alongside a growing network of convention infrastructure.
“Our newly-completed network of world-class venues – the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland, Tākina in Wellington and Te Pae in Christchurch – is also a drawcard for event organisers,” Lisa says.
However, Lisa says geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty mean the sector cannot afford to become complacent.
“At the same time though, the level of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty across the world is currently high, so this is not the time to take our foot off the pedal.”
Lisa says the sector would continue focusing on converting international interest into confirmed events while supporting wider economic and knowledge benefits for New Zealand.
