Auckland Convention Bureau, part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – the region’s cultural, events and destination agency –has appointed BRANDit as its India market representative to strengthen Auckland’s visibility and consideration within India’s outbound meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market. As part of the mandate, BRANDit will engage MICE travel companies, corporate travel planners, professional conference organisers and association networks in India to build a greater understanding of ‘s business events offering across meetings, conferences and incentive travel.
For Indian planners, Auckland offers a compelling mix of MICE capability and destination appeal. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest city and economic gateway, it brings together strong event infrastructure, quality accommodation, an established dining scene, waterfront venues and easy access to nature-led experiences. A business programme in Auckland can easily move from a meeting room to a harbour sailing experience, from views across the city from the Sky Tower to a vineyard lunch on Waiheke Island or from premier sporting events such as cricket at Eden Park to the volcanic landscape of Rangitoto Island. For the India market, this range creates an opportunity to position Auckland as more than an arrival point into New Zealand and as a multi-day MICE destination where programmes of four nights or more can combine business, incentive experiences and time to explore the wider region.
Auckland Convention Bureau plays a key role in helping planners bring business events to the city. Its support includes destination advice, venue and supplier recommendations, incentive itinerary ideas, bid support, accommodation guidance and access to local expertise. With the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the country’s largest purpose-built convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, further strengthening Auckland’s business events infrastructure, the city is well positioned to host a wider range of meetings, incentives and conferences from international markets, including India.
Speaking on the appointment, Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the home of Auckland Convention Bureau, said, “India is a market we see strong potential in, especially as planners look for destinations that can deliver a meaningful business event experience, not just a venue. Auckland has a compelling offer for meetings, incentives and conferences, but we also recognise the importance of building familiarity in the market. Through our partnership with BRANDit, we want to work more closely with India’s MICE trade and help planners better understand the breadth of Auckland’s offering and how the city can fit into their future programmes.”
Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder, BRANDit, said, “For Indian planners, Auckland offers the appeal of a destination that feels fresh, yet structured, reliable and high-quality. It brings together the strength of a modern business events city with the wider pull of New Zealand’s nature, culture, food and outdoor experiences. We see strong potential to grow Auckland’s consideration among corporates and MICE planners in India who are looking for destinations that deliver both business value and a memorable delegate experience.”
The partnership will focus on trade engagement, destination education, market intelligence, public relations outreach and business development across key Indian cities.