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Tourism New Zealand is aiming to secure 110 international conference bids worth a record $253 million in the next financial year, as it looks to build on the recovery of the business events sector.
Tourism New Zealand business events global manager Penelope Ryan says the organisation is on track to close out the current financial year having met its target of 110 bids worth $185 million.
“Next financial year we will retain our target of 110 bids, but our value target is now set at $253 million,” Penelope says.
“We’re confident we can meet this ambitious new value target and continue to deliver lasting benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Penelope says the sector has seen a strong rebound over the past year, with a record number of international conferences booked and a strong pipeline of future bids.
She says business events remain a high-value part of New Zealand’s visitor mix, attracting travellers who spend more, travel outside peak periods and contribute to the country’s knowledge economy.
Tourism New Zealand says New Zealand’s recovery is reflected in the latest ICCA rankings, which saw the country move to 45th place in 2025 from 48th in 2024, with the number of association meetings hosted in 2025 exceeding 2019 levels.
The bid target also comes as new Business Events Industry Aotearoa data shows multi-day conferences generated $925 million in economic activity in New Zealand in 2025 and more than 735,000 international visitor nights.
Penelope says New Zealand’s business events proposition has been strengthened by the opening of major convention centres in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as growing interest from corporate and incentive groups in North America, Australia and South-East Asia.
Tourism New Zealand says the higher $253 million target reflects updated Business Events Industry Aotearoa valuation data, which now assigns more current values to international, Australian and domestic delegates.
