Strong interest from Australian travel sellers and business events buyers has underlined continued demand for Queenstown and Wānaka, with new bookings secured during a four-city trade roadshow.
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism were joined by 47 operators for events in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, attracting 178 travel trade and business events guests.
Mat Woods, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism Chief Executive, said Australia remained the region’s largest international market.
“These events give our operators valuable time with the people recommending and booking Queenstown and Wānaka, strengthening relationships and showcasing what’s on offer,” Mr Woods said.
The Sydney event introduced an Industry Insights Panel exploring opportunities and challenges facing the destinations.
Discussion covered infrastructure pressures, converting strong destination awareness into bookings and the growing importance of individual experiences within business events programs.
Mr Woods said the panel also identified an opportunity to broaden perceptions of the region beyond adventure travel.
“There was also a strong view that we have an opportunity to lead in wellbeing. Alongside our adventure credentials, our wellness experiences, food and drink and connection to the outdoors give us a much broader story to tell,” he said.
Queenstown operators reported securing new business during the roadshow, including business events confirmed for 2027 and 2028, while travel trade participants expressed confidence about demand for the year ahead.
The roadshow forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with the Australian trade and support year-round leisure and business events visitation.
