Promising year for Wellington events with $73m boost

Hospitality and accommodation sectors have received a much-needed boost, with increases in visitor nights and tourism spend from outside the region significantly more than the previous three years impacted by COVID-19.

In the 23/24 financial year, there were 28 major events across the region including FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Beervana, the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, World of WearableArt, Foo Fighters concert, Faultline Ultra, and Golden Shears.

The broad range of events and results achieved endorse the capital’s major events strategic framework delivered by WellingtonNZ working in partnership with the events sector to maximise the economic, reputational and social outcomes to the region.

“We are proud of the outcomes achieved in the past year with our event partners,” WellingtonNZ Events and Experience general manager Heidi Morton says.

“These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our partners, the events sector and the unwavering support of the Wellington community and visitors alike. Together, we have not only showcased our region’s capabilities but also contributed significantly to its economic vitality.

“It’s been a tough year for many businesses here in Wellington so it is gratifying to see the impact hosting major events can make.”

The biggest impact was created by hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup, delivering more than $22.5m in visitor spend to the region from about 243,000 attendees in July to August 2023. Notably, the event attracted 39% of attendees from outside the Wellington region — resulting in more than 100,000 bed nights for the accommodation sector.

The economic benefit of major events is not the only good news. “These events not only boost our local economy by attracting thousands of visitors, they also enrich the social lives of Wellingtonians and showcase our region to the world.

“Our research shows 92% of Wellingtonians believe hosting these events makes the city a great place to live and increases their pride in Wellington. Supporting a strong major events programme not only provides an increase in activity for local operators, but it also strengthens our sense of community pride.”

Restaurant Association president Mike Egan, who co-owns several restaurants in the city, says events such as Visa Wellington on a Plate, appeals to locals as well as visitors.

“The industry enjoys the support of the local community but having unique activities to entice visitors with a regular calendar of events in the city is one of the most effective ways of helping to keep our hospitality businesses thriving.”

Warrick Dent, Sky Stadium chief executive, says: “It’s great to see such a positive impact to the Wellington region through the hosting of a large range of major events. Without doubt, the highlight for us was the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, where over 230,000 fans attended matches at the Stadium.

“We are always in support of WellingtonNZ looking for further opportunities to bring exciting content to Wellington and are looking forward to locking in some great events over the next 12 months.”

This week Sky Stadium was awarded Best Venue by the New Zealand Events Association for FIFA Women’s World Cup.

And while locals show up to events in their tens of thousands, major events also produced almost 319,000 bed nights across the Wellington region in the past year.

Heidi Morton says the results demonstrate the value of organisations working together across the city.

“These achievements have coincided with what has been achieved in an incredibly challenging economic environment. The operational costs of delivering an event are now significantly higher, corporate sponsorship has declined and there has been a marked impact on Wellington from central government job cuts.

“That’s why we want to say thanks to everyone — locally and around the country — that come out to support what is happening in the region. Together we are all making a difference.”

In the coming months, an incredible lineup of major events will take to the stage in the capital, including:

• Doctor Who: Worlds of Wonder exhibition until 28 October
• World of WearableArt Show, 26 September to 13 October
• All Blacks v Australia (Bledisloe Cup), 28 September
• Wellington Jazz Festival, 16 to 20 October
• New Zealand Game Developers Conference, 17 to 19 October
• The Art of Banksy exhibition, 28 November to 20 January
• BLACKCAPS v England Test, 6 to 10 December
• WHITEFERNS v Australia, 19 to 23 December.

2023-24 Wellington major events results at a glance

• 28 major and regional event partnerships successfully delivered across arts and culture, sports, food and beverage, concerts and festivals.
• 1.07M total attendance.
• $73.8M visitor spend.
• 318,956 bed nights across the Wellington region.
• 90% average satisfaction rate.
• 88% of local attendees agree hosting major events increases their pride in Wellington.
• 92% of local attendees agree hosting major events makes Wellington a more enjoyable place to live.