Convention centre assent

The Tourism Industry Association (TIA) backs the proposed convention centre in Queenstown as part of a network of regional centres to support the planned national facility in Auckland.

Such a network would further boost the important conference and incentive market, association chief executive Martin Snedden said.

''As one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations, Queenstown is a popular choice for meetings and conferences,'' he said.

''A purpose-built convention centre would attract new business to Queenstown, creating jobs and a range of downstream business opportunities.

''The accommodation, transport, hospitality and retail sectors would be among those to benefit.''

The association estimated a national convention centre would boost New Zealand's economy by more than $90 million a year. It was expected to create 1000 jobs during construction and another 800 positions when it was operational.

Conference delegates were high-value visitors, spending an average of $365 a night, compared with an international leisure visitor, who spent around $200 a night, Mr Snedden said.

Conference travel could also created business for the wider tourism industry, where delegates holidayed before or after their conference, or returned to New Zealand for private holidays at a later date, he said.

''However, it's important to take the time to create and properly test the business case for a convention centre as an acceptable return on investment is vital,'' Mr Snedden said.

''We look forward to a positive outcome of the current process in Queenstown,'' he said.