The outlook for Queenstown‘s conference and incentive market is strong according to Kylie Brittain of the Queenstown Convention Bureau (QCB) who has recently returned from MEETINGS 2008 – New Zealand‘s only business travel expo.

Ms Brittain was joined at the expo by 21 Queenstown businesses and says feedback from all who attended was extremely positive.

"We met with 40 buyers and have come home with 15 potential business meetings, conferences and conventions to follow up. That‘s a great result for Queenstown in this specialist and high yielding tourism market niche."

The Queenstown Convention Bureau (QCB) is a free service provided by Destination Queenstown to facilitate conference and incentive business for the region.

The Queenstown contingent was also judged runner–up for the best regional stand at the expo. "We were delighted with the recognition because we had put a huge effort into theming with schist and new banners to showcase the range of inspirational ideas for groups."

Ms Brittain also noted great interest from Australian buyers. "More than half of our appointments were from Australian conference organisers interested in bringing business to Queenstown and we also facilitated a lot of walk–up enquiries."

Ms Brittain said one of the strongest elements of C&I travel is that it is not limited to high seasons. "In the C&I industry Queenstown is recognised as an ideal year–round destination, with four fantastic seasons to be enjoyed; the message that it‘s always a good time to bring your group business to town has been received loud and clear."

MEETINGS 2008 is expected to generate $180 million in business for New Zealand.

MEETINGS was hosted by Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) at the Westpac Arena in Christchurch on the 30th and 31st July.