“For the first time, we have four buyers coming from Argentina, brought here by MEETINGS’ key sponsor Air New Zealand,’ she says.

In conjunction with Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand are also bringing  buyers and media from China, Southeast Asia, India, and the Americas.

Altogether more than 220 qualified hosted buyers will attend, including over 90 hosted buyers and media from Australia,120 hosted buyers and media from around New Zealand.

‘With the support of key regional convention bureau and Air New Zealand, we are also hosting over 40 Australian buyers on seven different regional MEETINGS tours,’ adds Sullivan.

‘They will have the chance to explore Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Christchurch and Canterbury and Queenstown.’

There will be 20 new exhibitors at this year’s show including venues, theming companies, hotels, AV companies, regional bureaux, attractions and activities from around the country.

Day buyers can also still register to attend the event next week, with a choice of who they want to meet with too.