Press release Tourism New Zealand

Austrian based conference organisers were given a ‘taste of New Zealand’ to show them the range of venues, accommodation, activities and cuisine we have on offer.

The event in Vienna was held to showcase the country’s business events offering alongside a sample of New Zealand food and wine. It comes hot on the heels of new data showing New Zealand is rising up the ranks as a conference destination.

A number of conference organisers who are responsible for organising annual international events for associations are based in Austria. Associations hold annual events that can attract hundreds of delegates, they represent a huge conference market which New Zealand seeks to attract.

“This is the first time we have held an event in Vienna and allows the New Zealand industry to meet influential decision makers in this market and discuss their future business opportunities”, says Lisa Gardiner, Manger Business Events and Premium, Tourism New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand was supported with partners attending the function post successful IMEX Frankfurt tradeshow including the Auckland Convention Bureau, JCM Destination New Zealand, Auckland Conventions and Events and the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

“Association event organisers are always on the lookout for a unique and memorable experience for their delegates. Often association events are held annually so there is pressure for organisers to deliver something new and different to attract delegates. The event allowed us to give attendees a real understanding of the different business event experiences New Zealand can offer and how easy it is to travel here and do business.”

Johanna Fischer, Managing Director of tmf Dialogue Marketing who specialise in the meetings and incentive market says “New Zealand’s profile in the European meetings industry is growing thanks to the country’s continued promotional work. This event further developed relationships between New Zealand and event planners in Vienna and left an amazing impact on the guests. The combination of storytelling, showcasing the country’s business event offering alongside a taste of New Zealand food and wine was a unique event format that worked really well.”

Tourism New Zealand works closely with event organisers to have New Zealand considered as their conferencing location. The support on offer includes funding to deliver a feasibility study, paid site inspections and delegate boosting services to ensure conference organisers meet their registration numbers.

Source: www.tourismnewzealand.com