New Zealand’s business events sector is gathering momentum, bringing high value visitors to cities and regions across the country.
New data from the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has shown that multi-day conferences supported $925 million in economic activity in New Zealand in 2025 and generated more than 735,000 international visitor nights. Tourism New Zealand says there is now a record pipeline of international conferences and it is targeting 110 conference bids in the coming financial year.
The research has been released at BEIA’s MEETINGS 2026 conference with Ritchies taking part as a BEIA transport partner and conference exhibitor.
The event has been an opportunity for our team to talk with event planners, venues, tourism operators and others with the conversations centred on the role that well-planned transport plays in the event experience.
“Aotearoa has an extraordinary range of venues, attractions and visitor experiences and transport is what connects everyone,” says Cesar Costa, Director of Tours and Charters for Ritchies.
“Done well, the transport services help guests enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Our drivers are often among the first and last people delegates meet. Their welcome, local knowledge and professionalism play an important part in the overall visitor experience.”
More than getting from A to B
Ritchies and the teams operating its various brand businesses work with conference organisers, destination management companies, tour operators, schools, sporting groups and companies throughout New Zealand.
This nationwide network includes locally-based teams at more than 30 depots, modern coaches and charter vehicles, along with the operational experience needed to coordinate groups ranging from small executive parties to conferences involving more than 1,000 guests.
At MEETINGS, the Ritchies business development team met with event professionals from New Zealand and overseas to discuss transport requirements for future conferences, incentive programmes and group travel.
These conversations reflected the variety of events being planned across the country, from urban conferences and awards evenings to regional familiarisation tours and travel programmes that give delegates the opportunity to experience more of Aotearoa.
Supporting MEETINGS behind the scenes
Ritchies was also a supporting partner for MEETINGS 2026, providing transport for attendees travelling between hotels, the convention centre, welcome and celebration functions, and familiarisation tours.
The work involved detailed planning before the event, clear communication with organisers and drivers, and careful coordination across a busy two-day programme. Feedback received throughout MEETINGS recognised the professionalism, friendliness and service provided by the Ritchies drivers.
There’s further information on BEIA and its purpose here.
If you have an upcoming event that needs transport support, get in touch with our teams for a quote, or help with planning and logistics./contact/
One of New Zealand’s newest event venues is the One New Zealand stadium, Te Kaha in Christchurch. Ritchies drivers have been among those delivering teams to the venue – shown here at a ‘recce’ day organised by SANZAAR which runs the Super Rugby Tournament.
