Jehovah’s Witness Convention Injects $20M into Auckland Economy

A recent convention hosted by the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Auckland is projected to contribute more than $20 million to the city’s economy. Over the three-day event, which took place during the weekend, the convention was expected to generate over 60,000 visitor nights, resulting in a hotel occupancy rate of 85%.

The Hotel Council Aotearoa has highlighted the significance of events like these in transforming Auckland’s central business district (CBD) into a vibrant central entertainment district. According to James Doolan, the strategic director of the Hotel Council, the opening of Auckland’s international convention centre next month is anticipated to further attract similar events.

Doolan emphasized the need for New Zealand’s tourism sector to exceed pre-COVID levels. “We need to be about 130 percent of pre-COVID levels, because 2019 is seven years ago now,” he stated during an interview on Morning Report. He pointed out that Auckland requires an influx of both international and domestic visitors to revitalize its economy.

The CBD has seen a decline in the number of people commuting to work, which makes it essential to shift its focus towards entertainment. “Events are a big part of that,” Doolan said. He explained that large gatherings, such as the Jehovah’s Witness Convention, are crucial for filling hotel rooms.

“With about 14,000 hotel rooms in Auckland, we need to sell out these rooms every day of the year,” Doolan noted. He elaborated that large events create a phenomenon known as “compression,” where the demand for accommodation increases due to the influx of visitors.

Doolan also mentioned the long planning process involved in securing significant events. “These large events take years to plan,” he remarked. He highlighted the importance of financial incentives, known as subvention payments, which encourage event organizers to choose Auckland over competing destinations worldwide.

He argued that it is beneficial for the central government to invest in these incentives. “Every dollar that a tourist spends in New Zealand also includes GST. International tourism is one of the few export sectors where the Central Government collects GST,” Doolan explained.

As Auckland looks forward to the future, the successful hosting of the Jehovah’s Witness Convention underscores the potential for events to significantly impact the local economy while revitalizing the city’s dynamic atmosphere. The upcoming international convention centre is expected to play a key role in attracting more such events, further boosting Auckland’s economic landscape.