TIA goes virtual with 2021 tourism events online switch
Delegates encouraged to dress up with a drink on hand
COVID-related disruption has seen Tourism Industry Aotearoa make the decision to stage this year’s Tourism Summit Aotearoa and New Zealand Tourism Awards as innovative online events.
Originally planned for September 1 and then rescheduled to November 29 in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, TIA chief executive Chris Roberts says while it is not viable to go ahead with the physical events, plans are in place to ensure both events can be hosted virtually.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure we can move everything to an online event whilst maintaining the energy and networking aspects of a physical event,” he said.
“Delta disruption was always a possibility, and we didn’t want to lose the opportunity to share the major industry updates usually released at the Summit.”
Some of the summit speakers were already due to beam in virtually from other parts of the world, and TIA plans to include some surprises and networking opportunities through virtual breakout rooms to create space for discussion and connection.
“It’s also important we get together as an industry to recognise the incredible achievements of our awards finalists and winners – while we can’t all gather in one place for dinner, we can still celebrate online, perhaps dressed up and with a celebratory drink at hand!”
The summit online event is being priced at just $95 plus GST for TIA members and $195 plus GST for non-TIA members.
Delegates registered for Tourism Summit Aotearoa will have their tickets transferred to the online event and will receive the remaining amount as a refund. TIA welcomes any additional delegates who were not able to travel to the physical event with additional tickets going on sale next week.
The online awards function will be free to attend with all dinner ticket holders receiving a full refund.
TIA intends to bring both events to the Waikato region in 2022.
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
