EXCLUSIVE BY JAMES WILKINSON IN AUCKLAND, NZ

Accor’s Vice President for New Zealand, Paul Richardson, says the New Zealand Government approving a new national convention centre development is a key to the nation’s MICE market rebounding.

Speaking exclusively to SpiceNews on camera at the New Zealand Hotel Industry Conference (NZHIC) in Auckland, Richardson said it has been a challenging year for the country’s MICE market and the approval of a new convention centre by Prime Minister John Key would be a step in the right direction.

Richardson said he was confident of meetings and conference market improving in the second half of 2011, particularly on the back of the Rugby World Cup, which commences in September.

To view the exclusive interview, click on the image below.