06 October 2008

NZ Tourism Industry wants major convention facility to boost economy

The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) says in order to remain globally competitive in the tourism conventions industry, New Zealand will need to build a convention centre to house 3,000 people, reports Radio New Zealand.

Tim Cossar, TIA Chief Executive, says the New Zealand economy will benefit greatly from the investment, which is estimated to cost around $350 million to build.  Currently, Australia is attracting more convention tourism because the largest capacity for conventions in New Zealand is sitting at 1,500 people, which is considerably less than Australia's capacity.

The news provider claims more than $250 million a year is injected into the economy from conferences, whose attendees spend five times the amount of other types of tourists.

In related news, figures released during July showed business tourism in New Zealand is booming, despite an apparent lag in traditionally strong holiday tourism numbers. 

Every year, $1 billion is injected into the New Zealand economy from business tourism, claims Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ), and the revenue from the industry is expecting to markedly climb over the coming months. 

"Despite the country’s touted economic downturn and falling inbound tourism numbers, business tourism is healthy and we are looking to grow it even further," said Alan Trotter, CINZ CEO.

The New Zealand Immigration department offers temporary and permanent New Zealand business visas for all business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs wanting to work in New Zealand.  The temporary entry business visa gives people the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand before applying for permanent residency.  The permanent residence business visa allows investors, entrepreneurs, and employees of relocating businesses to work and live in New Zealand permanently, provided they meet the qualifying criteria as determined by Immigration New Zealand.

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Article by Jessica Bird, New Zealand Visa Bureau.

The New Zealand Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people emigrate to New Zealand.