The Aotearoa Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition is returning to Christchurch on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025, aiming to stimulate investment and advance New Zealand’s hotel sector.
Hosted by HM Magazine and Hotel Council Aotearoa (HCA), AHICE Aotearoa 2025 takes place at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, drawing over 500 of Australasia’s leading hotel owners, operators, consultants and suppliers for two days of networking, panel sessions, hotelier Q&As and keynote discussions shaping the future of New Zealand’s hotel industry.
The conference features keynote addresses from distinguished leaders, including:
- Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Deputy Leader of the House, speaking on the sector’s strategic direction.
- The Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger, delivering a welcome address.
- STR Regional Director Matt Burke, presenting “What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond”, offering essential market forecasts and trend analysis.
- A key investors’ outlook panel moderated by JLL New Zealand executive vice president hotels Nick Thompson provides investment insights for the year ahead.
Panel sessions cover topics including regional growth, white-label management, human resources, food and beverage trends, design innovations and more. New for 2025, the INN Tech Hotel Technology Summit features a keynote by Singapore-based Enzyme Consulting founder and CEO, Andrew Cameron, and power sessions reflecting the growing role of technology in hotel operations and guest experiences.
“AHICE Aotearoa has firmly established itself as a must-attend event on New Zealand’s tourism calendar,” HCA strategic director, James Dolan, said. “The Minister for Tourism wants growth and the hotel sector stands ready to help deliver exactly that. Major events like AHICE inject significant economic value into host cities, benefiting everyone from taxi drivers to hospitality businesses. Te Pae’s world-class facilities provide the perfect setting for industry leaders to drive future growth for New Zealand’s tourism industry.
“AHICE has become the largest and most impactful hotel industry conference brand outside the United States, consistently attracting senior international hospitality leaders to New Zealand. Hosting the event in Christchurch for a second time keeps the spotlight on the local industry while showcasing the city’s potential on a global stage.”
The 2025 conference comes at a time of growing optimism for New Zealand’s hotel sector, with new flight connections, increasing visitor arrivals, and significant hotel development projects underway. AHICE Aotearoa focuses on leveraging these positive trends while addressing challenges around sustainability, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks.
The fourth annual AHICE Aotearoa builds on the success of previous events, establishing itself as the premier gathering for the country’s hotel industry. It is an extension of the Asia Pacific event held in Adelaide in May 2025, which was attended by a record 1,600 delegates from over 40 countries, making it the largest accommodation industry event in the APAC region.
