Delegates from England, Singapore, Fiji, Australia and Thailand joined New Zealand hotel professionals at the third annual AHICE Aotearoa conference, held in Christchurch this week on 25 and 26 September.
Organisers, HM magazine and Hotel Council Aotearoa, say a record 500+ industry leaders gathered at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre to network and delve into the growing New Zealand hotel scene, with a host of presentations, panel discussions and industry led events.
“The conference is helping to build positive growth in the sector, from improving occupancy, to driving food and beverage revenue,” says AHICE group president, James Wilkinson.
“There are some fantastic new hotels on the way to New Zealand and thanks to new flights from Korea, the United States and more from Australia, signs are positive for more international exposure and growth.
“We have a wonderful exhibition of 27 companies – our largest ever – and over 700 tickers sold for the event.”
City Of Christchurch
Hotel Council Aotearoa strategic director, James Doolan, welcomed the industry’s continued support of the event as well as that shown from the City of Christchurch.
“We’re delighted with the support from Christchurch and Te Pae, which is keen to attract new hotel investment to the region,” Doolan said.
“There is no better way to do that than hosting the premier annual gathering of hoteliers. We are incredibly grateful for the financial support from sponsors, but also for their attendance and engagement in the conference.
“The hotel sector is a major target market for many businesses. Hotel issues have an inevitable impact on supplier businesses as well. AHICE is a key opportunity for the hotel sector and its suppliers to form even stronger relationships.”
