Around 600 Helloworld owners and managers have touched down in Wellington for the agency group’s annual conference, with the New Zealand capital “delighted” to welcome the delegates.
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency secured the helloworld conference in 2014 after several years of bidding against other destinations in Australasia, with chief executive Chris Whelan highlighting the benefits of hosting the event.
“Any conference of this scale is a win for Wellington, but it’s especially positive to have helloworld’s Owner- Managers with us for the weekend,” he said.
“Their network sells over $4.9 billion worth of travel to Australians annually, so giving them a first-hand experience of Wellington is a fantastic opportunity for the region.”
The conference coincides with the Inspired by Wellington visitor campaign which is currently underway in Australia, created by Positively Wellington Tourism in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.
“The hosting of helloworld’s decision-makers at the same time as the region is being featured to their sellers and customers as part of the Inspired by Wellington campaign is perfectly timed,” Whelan continued. “This collision will put Wellington front of mind for Australia’s second largest travel sellers as we look to further the growth of our top international market, which has grown 8% in the past year.”
Meanwhile, interim chief executive Jenny Macdonald promised a weekend of “inspiration, culture and entertainment”.
“Wellington is such an energetic and creative city with so much to see and do – it’s the perfect location for our 2015 Summit focused on leadership,” she said.
“Our members will be immersed in the culture and buzz of Wellington and I am sure they will leave inspired and invigorated for the year ahead.”
The Onwers Managers Summit begins tomorrow night with a welcome function on Queens Wharf, and finishes up on Sunday.
