New Zealand’s international business event arrivals surged in 1Q2026, climbing more than 50 per cent year-on-year to near pre-pandemic levels.
According to Stats NZ data, more than 16,500 international delegates arrived between January and March, generating an estimated NZ$54.1 million (US$32 million) for the economy.
Growth was driven by traditionally quiet summer months hosting major events, including the Special Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Auckland, International Sedimentological Congress in Wellington, and International Cool Climate Wine Summit in Christchurch.
Australia remains the country’s top source market with 8,204 arrivals (up 37 per cent year-on-year and just 8% below 2019 levels), while the US saw a 53 per cent year-on-year spike to 2,425 arrivals. China, Japan, Korea, and the UK also posted gains.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa’s chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, noted that the surge highlights the business events sector’s high-value economic impact, aided by a favourable exchange rate, and newly-completed convention center infrastructure, including the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Tākina, and Te Pae.
However, Hopkins urged caution despite the strong momentum and parallel global spending growth cited in the latest Events Industry Council data.
“The level of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty across the world is currently high, so this is not the time to take our foot off the pedal,” she said.
He previously served as CEO of Gulf Air Group, and prior to that, as CEO of Star Alliance. He has also held senior leadership roles at International Air Transport Association.
Previously, he held senior roles at Hotel Cipriani Venice, Rosewood Hong Kong and Atlantis Dubai.
Her previous roles include leadership positions at Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Conrad New York Downtown and Park Hyatt Sydney.
He joins from The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, where he most recently served as general manager. He was previously general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort.
