Conferences on our shores are driving up international delegation numbers, which have surged more than 50% annually.
According to Stats NZ, arrivals are near pre-Covid levels, with more than 16 thousand people coming in the first quarter.
International delegates contributed more than $54 million to the economy, with visitors spending an average $500 per day.
Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge with last week's Air New Zealand expansion in Christchurch, there are more options.
She says having direct flights between Christchurch and Singapore, Perth and Tokyo, will make a big difference.
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