Discovering the diversity in New Zealand

For a country of less than five million people, New Zealand sure punches above its weight. Nowhere is this more evident than with its conference and incentive (C&I) market, which enjoyed an 18 per cent increase in arrivals in the 12 months to November 2005. Some 10,000 of these visitors were from Asia, representing a 35 per cent increase in the previous year. New Zealand will always be a niche travel destination, given its long-haul status to everywhere but Australia. However, this also accounts for much of its charm. Its airports, hotels and attractions receive only a fraction of the traffic that occurs in so many other parts of the world. Tourist coaches don't bank up for kilometres around the attractions, as is the case in so many parts of Europe. The smiles and courtesy of the service staff are, in the main, genuine as they welcome visitors as individuals and not part of an endless people-processing system. Efficient destination New Zealand is an efficient destination. Its airports are modern and reasonably close to the city centres and hotels. The drive from the airport at Christchurch on the South Island winds its way through a residential area with immaculate, flowering gardens and magnificent avenues. It compares strongly with Singapore in this regard and is a pleasant surprise at the end of a long flight. The main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have extensive meetings facilities, though Auckland surprisingly still lacks a purpose-built convention centre considering its status as the commercial capital of the country. While Sky City and The Edge are adequate venues for smaller meetings, they aren't big enough to attract large foreign groups. However, Auckland's need for an international- standard convention centre capable of hosting up to 3,500 people has been officially recognised by the government. "There is a political consensus at high level to try and get the thing built," says Alan Trotter, CEO of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand. "The government funding that we are getting to bid for international conventions is a good example of how we are being taken seriously at long last." Hotel promise Aspokesman for Accor Hotels says the conference business that Accor has attracted from Asia is generally small to medium-sized groups and usually involves a local partner. Auckland and Wellington are the most popular destinations, while Rotorua has been the most preferred destination for day trips as it is easily accessible from Auckland. Over the past two years there has been an increase in incentive business, largely from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea. The incentive groups tend to opt for Queenstown, though if time is limited, the itinerary will be restricted to the North Island and focus on Auckland and Rotorua. One of the biggest hurdles for conference and incentive groups is access. Queenstown offers a very different and attractive environment for C&I groups, but until recently, only Air New Zealand flew directly into Queenstown on a year-round basis. Qantas now flies direct from Sydney, making it much easier for connecting flights from Asia. The frequency could still be improved, but the start of year-round services has been particularly beneficial for the C&I sector. Shanghai flights Air New Zealand has applied to commence three non-stop flights a week between Auckland and Shanghai later this year. "New Zealand airlines have rights to operate up to seven return services per week to China," says Air New Zealand's group general manager of marketing, network and sales, Norm Thompson. Air New Zealand will also seek approval for a service operating three times per week utilising its new Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. The 313-seat aircraft includes 26 lie-flat Business Premier seats. Flight duration northbound will be just under 13 hours. Increased effort Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne says there has been an increased effort from the New Zealand tourism industry to push the country as a C&I destination to the Asian market. This has been done through working with key inbound tour operators and attending offshore trade events, such as IT&CMA in Thailand. It is also influenced by the fact that New Zealand is seen as a safe and secure destination. "The Asian C&I business is very important to Auckland," says Osborne. "The proximity of Asia and wide range of flights available make Auckland an easily accessible destination. Auckland has the infrastructure and facilities to accommodate a large volume of C&I business. "We have a compact CBD located within 30 minutes of a wide range of natural and lifestyle settings. The increased numbers from Asia is a great opportunity to profile Auckland as a business destination." Capital choice In addition to being the NZ capital, Wellington is also the arts and culture capital of New Zealand. Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, is on Wellington's waterfront and the city has many other cultural attractions for visitors to discover. There are extensive conference facilities in an around the city's gracious Town Hall. The Wellington Convention Centre consists of two unique buildings located in Wellington's CBD with 19 venues catering for up to 2,500 people. The Wellington Town Hall is a beautifully restored historical building, while the Michael Fowler Centre follows architecturally modern designs. Wellington is surrounded by hills, a rugged coastline and one of the world's most beautiful harbours. It has a bracing climate and visitors are advised to pack for all weather possibilities. Adventure activities include mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more. Guided walking tours, coach tours and helicopter tours are available to enjoy the sights. Wellington is only a short drive or ferry ride away from New Zealand's top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough. Earthly delight Rotorua, with its thermal springs, boiling mud and deep Maori culture is ideal both as a conference destination or a stopover as part of a post-event tour. Event Venues Rotorua is constructing a new Energy Events Centre in the Government Gardens. It is scheduled to be completed late this year and open for business in 2007. The new centre is being built adjacent to the existing Southern Trust Sportsdrome and will include the Grand Hall and the Bay of Plenty Community Trust Forum, which will seat up to 750 people for a plenary session. Unison Arena is the largest room within the complex and will seat up to 2,900 theatre style or 2,600 for dinner. There are a further five breakout rooms on the mezzanine level. Rotorua Airport is also extending its the runway to cater for larger jets and to make preparation for trans-Tasman flights. Skyline Skyrides in Rotorua has recently invested US$6.7 million upgrading their gondolas and extending their restaurant. The Millennium and Novotel Hotels have both undergone refurbishments. The Agrodome has launched a new Night Sky Experience while Rainbow Springs Nature Park has put on coloured lights to offer visitors a magical night-time display showcasing the trees, native foliage and wildlife within the park.