Published on
October 17, 2025
The Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 promises to be one of the most influential gatherings for the tourism sector in New Zealand, bringing together leaders, stakeholders, and key players in the industry. Scheduled to take place in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will explore the evolving landscape of New Zealand’s tourism sector, with contributions from major industry partners like Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Partridge Advisory, and Westpac. As New Zealand’s tourism industry looks toward 2030, this summit will offer an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for a sustainable and dynamic future.
Event Overview: Key Highlights of Tourism Summit Aotearoa
Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 will be held at the Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, a state-of-the-art venue located at the heart of Wellington’s cultural precinct. The city, known for its vibrant arts scene, scenic waterfront, and rich cultural offerings, provides the perfect backdrop for a summit that aims to chart the future of the country’s tourism industry. The event will take place from October 28 to October 30, with a pre-summit welcome event on the evening of October 28 and the summit’s full proceedings set to begin on October 29.
The summit’s theme, “New Zealand Tourism 2030: Being Dynamic in a Global Marketplace”, will guide the discussions and presentations. This year’s focus is on how New Zealand can maintain its competitive edge in the global tourism market while addressing sustainability and growth challenges. With tourism contributing significantly to New Zealand’s economy, the summit’s conversations will be critical in shaping the sector’s future.
Key Partners Driving the Tourism Summit
The event is made possible with the generous support of key partners who play an essential role in New Zealand’s tourism sector. These partners include Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Partridge Advisory, Westpac, and several others. Each partner brings their unique expertise and insights to the event, reinforcing their commitment to the growth and development of the tourism industry in the country.
Tourism New Zealand: Promoting Sustainable Travel
As the official body responsible for promoting New Zealand as a leading travel destination, Tourism New Zealand plays a central role in shaping the narrative around the country’s tourism offerings. The organization targets visitors from key markets globally, ensuring that New Zealand remains top-of-mind for travelers looking for unique experiences that connect them to the country’s culture, nature, and people.
Beyond promoting the country as a must-visit destination, Tourism New Zealand focuses heavily on guiding visitors toward responsible travel. The organization is committed to ensuring that tourists have safe and enriching experiences while respecting the local environment and communities. At the Tourism Summit Aotearoa, Tourism New Zealand will share its vision for how the sector can grow sustainably while welcoming an influx of international visitors in the coming years.
Air New Zealand: Connecting New Zealand to the World
Air New Zealand, the national carrier, is a longstanding supporter of tourism in the country, and its contributions to the summit will emphasize the airline’s role in connecting New Zealand to the global tourism market. With its extensive network, both domestically and internationally, Air New Zealand is integral to facilitating travel for international visitors to New Zealand and ensuring that the tourism experience starts from the moment passengers board the plane.
The airline has a rich history of offering exceptional service that showcases the warmth and hospitality for which New Zealand is known. At the summit, Air New Zealand will discuss how its operations can contribute to the growth of New Zealand’s tourism sector, especially in a post-pandemic world where air travel is recovering and adapting to new challenges.
Partridge Advisory: Ensuring Protection for Tourism Businesses
In the ever-changing landscape of tourism, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared for risks is essential. Partridge Advisory is offering tailored insurance solutions designed to protect tourism operators across New Zealand. The company brings a deep understanding of the sector’s specific needs and challenges, offering a full-service approach to managing risks that could impact businesses.
During the summit, Partridge Advisory will showcase its services, which include offering risk management advice and bespoke insurance solutions for tourism operators. Their goal is to help businesses protect themselves in an increasingly complex risk environment, ensuring they can thrive even in times of uncertainty.
Westpac: Banking Solutions for the Tourism Sector
Westpac, a leading banking institution in New Zealand, brings its financial expertise to the Tourism Summit Aotearoa as a key partner. With a team of dedicated tourism specialists, Westpac offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services tailored specifically for the tourism sector. The bank’s focus on understanding the unique needs of tourism operators makes it an ideal partner for the summit.
At the event, Westpac will discuss its role in supporting the tourism industry, particularly in providing financial solutions that help businesses grow and adapt to changing market conditions. From small businesses to large enterprises, Westpac offers the necessary tools and support to ensure tourism operators remain financially stable and well-positioned for future growth.
The Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 Programme: What to Expect
The summit’s agenda is packed with insightful discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities. The event will feature thought leaders, industry experts, and visionaries who will explore key themes shaping the future of New Zealand’s tourism industry. Here’s a look at some of the key sessions and topics to be covered:
Global Shifts, Local Impact: Navigating Geopolitical Risk and Opportunity
The first major session, titled “Global Shifts, Local Impact,” will explore the challenges and opportunities posed by global geopolitical changes. With an ever-changing global landscape, this session will focus on how New Zealand businesses can prepare for and adapt to shifting international trade relations, political instability, and other external factors that could affect the tourism sector.
Sustainability in Tourism: Adapting to Climate Change
As tourism continues to grow, so do the pressures on the environment. One of the critical discussions at the summit will focus on the intersection of tourism and sustainability. How can New Zealand’s tourism sector reduce its environmental impact while ensuring the long-term preservation of the country’s natural assets? Leaders from the industry will discuss best practices for sustainability, focusing on how businesses can adopt more eco-friendly practices to preserve New Zealand’s iconic landscapes.
Technological Innovations: The Role of AI and Digital Transformation
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the way people travel. In this session, experts will discuss how AI and digital transformation are reshaping the tourism experience. From personalized customer service to predictive analytics, the session will explore how tourism businesses can leverage emerging technologies to enhance their offerings and streamline operations.
Cultural Tourism: Sharing New Zealand’s Heritage with the World
Another significant session will highlight the importance of cultural tourism in New Zealand’s tourism sector. With its rich history and diverse indigenous culture, New Zealand has much to offer cultural travelers. This session will explore how tourism operators can create authentic, culturally rich experiences for visitors while promoting respect for Māori traditions and heritage.
Networking Opportunities: Building Stronger Industry Connections
Beyond the keynotes and discussions, the Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 provides an invaluable opportunity for delegates to network with industry peers, potential partners, and key stakeholders. The event will host several networking sessions, ensuring that delegates can forge meaningful relationships and collaborate on future projects.
Additionally, the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner, which will follow the summit’s proceedings, will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and successes within New Zealand’s tourism industry. It will recognize outstanding businesses, individuals, and organizations that have made a significant impact on the sector.
The Future of New Zealand Tourism: Looking Ahead to 2030
The Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 is not just an event; it is a vital platform for New Zealand’s tourism industry to look ahead to 2030. As the country continues to navigate challenges such as climate change, changing travel trends, and global political shifts, the summit will provide actionable insights and innovative strategies for businesses to thrive in an evolving market.
Thanks to the support of its key partners, Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Partridge Advisory, Westpac, and others, the Tourism Summit Aotearoa 2025 will offer delegates a wealth of knowledge and the tools necessary to build a sustainable and dynamic tourism industry that continues to shine on the global stage.
As New Zealand prepares for the next phase of its tourism journey, the discussions and ideas generated at the summit will play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel in the country. This year’s event will serve as a catalyst for change, providing the foundation for a resilient, thriving tourism sector that can adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.
Source and Image Credit: Tourism Industry Aotearoa
