Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has been awarded Oceania’s best destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) for the third year running at the World MICE Awards 2022.

Voted for by business events professionals worldwide, Auckland was up against nominees Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Wellington, Perth and Sydney.

Ken Pereira, Head of the Auckland Convention Bureau – a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited - says the win reinforces the reputation of Tāmaki Makaurau as a desirable business events destination.  

"Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a special region which leaves our visitors with unforgettable memories. It blends world-class infrastructure, experienced talent, advanced industries, natural beauty and breath-taking experiences.”

“We are thrilled to be recognised as a leading destination by the global MICE industry as we continue to bring memorable business event experiences to our delegates, visitors and clients." 

The World MICE Awards highlighted New Zealand’s overall appeal for international conferences and events with Air New Zealand named Oceania’s Best MICE Airline 2022.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager NZ & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says: “This recognition shows the strength of ‘team New Zealand’ in attracting events. From our well-respected flagship air carrier to Tourism New Zealand’s national funding and support and our amazing cities, New Zealand offers the world-leading infrastructure and people to deliver outstanding events.”

The World MICE Awards accolade follows Auckland named the number one city to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022. 

Adding to Auckland’s appeal is the string of top international hotels in the city centre, including the 5 Green Star Hotel Britomart, the Park Hyatt, New Zealand’s first Mövenpick hotel, Cordis Auckland’s new Pinnacle Tower, as well as voco Auckland City, the Sudima and QT Auckland. 

“With the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) coming online, a newly refurbished Aotea Centre and the Viaduct Events Centre available from 2023, the future is exciting for Auckland conferences and events,” Pereira says.

In the 2021/22 financial year Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland won 102 business events, which are expected to inject $75.5m million into the region’s economy in the coming years.

-ENDS-

notes to editor

About Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB): 

  • ACB promotes and positions Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in domestic and international markets as a premium destination for business events, ranging from large-scale conferences and conventions to meetings, seminars, tradeshows and incentive travel.  
  • It is a specialist unit within Tātaki Auckland Unlimited with the objective of driving the growth of Auckland’s world-class business events sector.  
  • Business events provide a platform to exchange knowledge and ideas, build relationships and attract investment and talent to Auckland. 

The World Mice Awards were presented at the World MICE Awards Gala Ceremony 2022 on 23 October 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan, co-located alongside the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony.  See all winners here. (scroll down to the Oceania section)