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The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) successfully held its Annual Tourism Conference from August 6 to August 8, 2024, in Invercargill. This conference was a significant milestone as it marked the first time Invercargill had hosted this prominent event. The conference brought together approximately 300 delegates, highlighting the city’s emerging role as a key destination for business tourism.
Overview of the Event
The TECNZ Annual Tourism Conference 2024 was a pivotal event for New Zealand’s tourism industry, offering a comprehensive platform for industry leaders to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and forge new business connections. The conference featured a diverse range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions, all aimed at providing valuable insights into the future of tourism.
Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of TECNZ, shared her enthusiasm about the conference: “We were delighted to host 300 delegates in the Great South region, showcasing Invercargill’s exceptional landscapes and vibrant tourism sector. Our partnership with the Great South team allowed us to present this beautiful region to New Zealand’s major international buyers, highlighting its unique attractions and hospitality.”
Key Details of the Conference
Event Dates: August 6 – August 8, 2024
Venue: Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
Delegate Profile: The conference attracted a diverse group of attendees, including inbound tour operators, accommodation providers, activity and attraction operators, transport operators, and regional tourism organisations.
Conference Program Summary
Day 1: The conference featured the TECNZ Tourism Trade Event, with sessions covering various aspects of the tourism industry and a special function hosted by Christchurch Airport for inbound tour operators.
Day 2: The event continued with insightful sessions, including keynote speeches from industry leaders such as Minister Matt Doocey and futurist Dave Wild. Highlights included a fireside chat on Whakaari (White Island) and discussions on Māori tourism and future industry trends.
Day 3: Focused on member engagement, the day included panel discussions on market updates and problem-solving sessions facilitated by David Downs. The day concluded with a networking event themed “American Graffiti” at Bill Richardson Transport World.
Day 4: Post-conference famils provided delegates with themed activities organised by Great South, offering further exploration of Invercargill and its attractions.
Registration and Pricing
The registration process for the TECNZ Conference 2024 was efficiently managed with clear deadlines and pricing structures:
Trade Event and Conference Registration: Closed on June 14, 2024
Conference Only Registration: Closed on July 26, 2024
Pricing Breakdown:
ITO Registration (includes Trade Event): $650.00 + GST
ITO Registration (conference only): $650.00 + GST
Allied Registration (includes Trade Event): $1450.00 + GST
Allied Registration (conference only): $1080.00 + GST
Day Registration (Wednesday or Thursday): $600.00 + GST
Accommodation Options
Delegates had a range of accommodation options, each offering special rates for the conference period from August 5 to August 10, 2024. Here’s a summary of the key accommodations:
Ascot Park Hotel: As the main conference venue, the Ascot Park Hotel provided luxury rooms, apartments, and a motel block. The hotel was well-equipped with amenities including an indoor heated swimming pool, saunas, and a spa pool. It also offered free shuttle services to the city centre.
Booking Information: Phone 0800 272 687 / 03 219 9076 (reference TECNZ conference)
Website: Ascot Park Hotel
Location: Corner Tay St and Racecourse Road
Status: Fully booked during the conference
The Langlands Hotel: A modern 4.5-star hotel featuring 78 rooms, The Langlands Hotel offered contemporary accommodation and multiple dining options. It provided a fresh and stylish experience for delegates.
Booking Information: Email romesh@thelanglands.co.nz
Website: The Langlands Hotel
Location: Corner of Don and Dee Street
Status: Fully booked during the conference
Balmoral Lodge: This motel offered modern, deluxe units with off-street parking and was conveniently located near the central city. It provided free Wi-Fi and cooking facilities.
Rates: Studio Unit $150 per night; One Bedroom $160.50 per night
Breakfast: $18 per person (Continental)
Booking Information: Phone 0800 225 667 / 03 219 9050 (reference TECNZ conference)
Website: Balmoral Lodge
Location: 265 Tay Street, Turnbull Thompson Park
Kelvin Hotel: Located in the heart of Invercargill CBD, Kelvin Hotel offered comfortable accommodation with a choice of dining options. It was ideally situated close to Queens Park and other central attractions.
Rates: Classic Hotel Room $165 per night; Breakfast $30 per person
Booking Information: Phone 0800 802 829 / 03 218 2829 (Reference TECNZ or #3465)
Website: Kelvin Hotel
Location: Corner of Kelvin and Esk Streets
Status: Fully booked during the conference
Key Hotspots for Business Travelers
Invercargill City Centre: The city center was a bustling hub, offering a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options ideal for delegates during their downtime.
Queens Park: A significant landmark, Queens Park featured beautiful gardens, walking paths, and historical monuments, providing a relaxing escape for conference attendees.
Southland Museum and Art Gallery: Near the conference venue, this museum offered insights into the region’s history, culture, and art, making it a worthwhile visit for delegates interested in local heritage.
The Invercargill Brewery: For craft beer enthusiasts, this local brewery provided an opportunity to sample some of the region’s finest brews.
Additional Events in Invercargill (August/September 2024)
During the conference period and shortly after, Invercargill hosted several notable events:
Southland Agricultural Field Days (August 22-24, 2024): This major event focused on agricultural innovations and was a key event for the region.
Invercargill Craft Beer Festival (September 14, 2024): Celebrating local craft beers, this festival offered a chance to explore the region’s brewing culture.
For more travel information and visa-free details, you can explore here.
City Guide: Invercargill
Invercargill, known for its warm hospitality and rich heritage, offered numerous attractions for delegates. Highlights included the National Wildlife Centre and the Burt Munro Challenge, both showcasing the city’s unique charm. Delegates could also enjoy the surrounding natural wonders, including Fiordland National Park, making their stay both productive and enjoyable.
The post Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Conference 2024 in Invercargill Remarkable Insights and Future Trends to Boost the Travel Sector appeared first on Travel And Tour World.