High costs in Aus sends business over the ditch

High costs in Aus sends business over the ditch
By admin


More associations are looking to host large conferences in New Zealand to escape the "outrageous" cost of doing business in Australia, the Professional Conference Organisers Association (PCO) has claimed.

With the threat of another financial crisis looming yet again, PCO treasurer Peter Sugg says businesses are desperately looking to cut costs to survive the "worst trading conditions in 30 years".

Virtual conferencing has boomed as a result, he said, but with Australian hotel rates creeping ever higher, offshoring is also becoming more attractive.

"The cost of hotels in Australia has never been higher in 25 years… it’s outrageous," he said. "Associations are realizing it’s cheaper to travel a couple of hours over the ditch to put on an event that is of a higher calibre than in Australia."

With Sydney rates typically standing at around $500 per person, Sugg said event organizers could find the same product for just $200 dollars in New Zealand.

And with the strong exchange rate giving more weight to the Australian dollar, he said organizers may be looking at savings of $400 per delegate.

"High hotel rates are damaging Australia’s long term conferencing industry," he said. "If Auckland can offer comparable service, world-class facilities of a higher caliber, and a favourable exchange rate, it makes sense to look there."

With high demand likely to remain in Sydney, Sugg expects offshoring will become increasingly common, particularly if the strong economy persists.

"Australia is now the most expensive conference destination in the world and associations are being forced to look elsewhere," he said.  "Sydney just can’t compete with Auckland in terms of cost."

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News

  • Conferences

Cvent Accelerate Sydney finds event growth will come from pre-, during and post-event data

Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider, has concluded its third edition of Cvent Accelerate in Sydney, where technology’s role in catapulting growth was front and centre. The 341 attendees were challenged to think how they are currently using data and additional ways to unlock its potential, particularly across marketing, in scaling event […]

  • Food & Beverage

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney popular Aperitivo returns to Grain Bar

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is relaunching its popular Aperitivo, now located in the George St venue’s award-winning Grain Bar. Originally launched into Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo is inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual where guests enjoy a cocktail, paired with traditional Italian antipasti bites. It became a much-loved offering for Sydneysiders […]

  • Hotels

nb_ OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa completes US$60 million renovation

Hawai’i’s OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa has completed its US$60 million (AU$90 million) renovation as is once again ready to welcome guests to Keauhou, a name that signifies “New Era”. The revitalised 511 guest rooms/suites and meeting spaces blend the property’s heritage and reverence for voyaging with modern aesthetics. The concept of “koi au” inspired […]

  • Events

Merlin Venues Sydney partners with bespoke catering

Merlin Venues Sydney, the events arm of Merlin Entertainments, has announced a new partnership with Sydney-based culinary experts, Bespoke Catering ahead of its event season. Merlin Venues Sydney hosts a range of unique public and private events across their four leading attractions in the city. These include the iconic SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE […]

  • Business
  • Events
  • Exhibitions

Sprintr launches world’s first 100% recyclable kiosk for delegate registration

Sprintr has launched its sustainable, lightweight, modular EcoKiosk for delegate registrations, to support the events industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Made from Re-Board® Technology, a durable, versatile, lightweight, printable and 100 percent recyclable product, this impressive design gives the business events industry the option to reduce their environmental impact and deliver on sustainability KPIs. […]