On top of this all attendees were given an introduction to the vast array of meetings and events facilities, accommodation, activities and more on offer throughout New Zealand, while enjoying a food and wine journey.
Tourism New Zealand’s business events team hosted 40 UK events buyers at New Zealand House in London at an evening of New Zealand food and wine, hosted by New Zealand chef Peter Gordon and wine expert Oz Clarke. Delegates were presented with an overview of plans for the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, scheduled for opening in 2019. On top of this all attendees were given an introduction to the vast array of meetings and events facilities, accommodation, activities and more on offer throughout New Zealand, while enjoying a food and wine journey.
The evening opened with a welcome from Lisa Gardiner, International Business Events and Premium Manager of Tourism New Zealand, and short presentation and video introducing the NZICC by General Manager Simon Jamieson. Mr Jamieson said the NZICC will see New Zealand becoming even more competitive on a global stage, with Auckland having the ability to bid for high-level, major international business events.
New Zealand industry partners, including NZICC, and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), attended the evening, including an introduction to wine from six regions in New Zealand. Guests were treated to a cooking demonstration of traditional New Zealand fare from renowned chef Peter Gordon, with lessons in wine pairing at each of the five courses served throughout the evening from Oz Clarke. The food journey culminated in a traditional New Zealand dish of Pavlova, with Manuka honey whipped cream, feijoa compote and white chocolate served ‘family style’ according to Peter Gordon’s mother’s own recipe.
Lisa Gardiner said: “We are excited to be holding this event along with our key industry partners to showcase what makes New Zealand such an amazing destination for international business events.”
“Each year New Zealand plays host to conferences, events and incentive groups from around the globe who come to experience the welcoming people and innovative culture which make New Zealand a world-class business events destination.”
Tourism New Zealand’s dedicated team of business events professionals located in offices around the globe, work to support its Regional Convention Bureau network to ensure that event planners have all of the expertise needed to assist in staging a successful New Zealand business event.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
