TIANZ calls for NZ National Convention Centre

Infrastructure, including a national convention centre, is the greatest concern for companies involved in tourism in New Zealand, with the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) reportedly set to push for commitments ahead of New Zealand's November General Election.

TIANZ Chief Executive Tim Cossar told last week's TRENZ tourism conference in Queenstown that it was likely the association's election manifesto will call for formal commitment to a convention centre capable of hosting several thousand delegates, as well as improving port and roading infrastructure.

The tourism industry is set to push for commitments to key infrastructure projects before the November election, including demanding progress on a national convention centre.

Cossar said the organisation's recent roadshow revealed that concerns over infrastructure appeared to have replaced the funding of Tourism New Zealand as the greatest concern for operators.

Though the TIANZ manifesto has not been developed, Cossar said it was likely to call for formal commitment to a convention centre capable of hosting several thousand delegates, as well as improving port facilities for a growing cruise ship industry and taking into account the needs of the tourism industry on roading investment.

Commitment to a national convention centre was part of TIANZ's last election manifesto but remained on the "to-do list", Cossar said at the TRENZ conference.

Although the New Zealand Government has funded a feasibility study for a convention centre and received expressions of interest for the project 12 months ago, no formal commitment has been made.

Prime Minister John Key recently said that the Government "is doing a lot of work" on the convention centre project and "is getting close on that" although no announcement has been made.

Cossar said the subject was constantly mentioned in official circles but it remained uncertain, stating "there's been a lot of talk about it and a lot of mention of a bigger convention centre in Auckland, but there's probably a bit of work to be done still in the industry's mind so that we capture the benefits it would bring."

Cossar added that growing concerns for the industry were ensuring that port facilities were up to standard as the cruise ship industry formed an increasing source of business, particularly for day tour and attraction operators.

Meanwhile troubled Christchurch venue management company Vbase wants an expansion of the Christchurch Convention Centre (CCC) when it is rebuilt or repaired.

With earthquake damage have opened up land adjacent to the CCC on which the facility could expand, the Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau is already seeking to attract larger conventions to the city from 2013 and beyond.

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