Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited,
Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder, BRANDit,
Auckland/New Delhi: Auckland Convention Bureau, part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, has appointed BRANDitas its official India market representative to strengthen Auckland’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound meetings and incentive travel markets.
The strategic appointment is aimed at increasing awareness of Auckland as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) among Indian corporates, travel management companies, professional conference organisers (PCOs), association planners and incentive travel specialists. The announcement has been confirmed by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
Expanding Auckland’s Presence in India’s MICE Sector
Under the new mandate, BRANDit will lead trade engagement, destination education, public relations, market intelligence and business development activities across key Indian cities.
The partnership comes as India’s outbound business travel and incentive tourism continue to expand, creating new opportunities for destinations seeking to attract high-value corporate events and conferences.
For Auckland Convention Bureau, the collaboration represents a strategic step towards building stronger relationships with India’s MICE ecosystem while showcasing the city’s capabilities beyond its role as New Zealand’s primary international gateway.
Positioning Auckland as a Multi-Day Business Events Destination
As New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub, Auckland offers a blend of world-class event infrastructure, premium accommodation, waterfront venues, vibrant dining experiences and nature-based attractions that appeal to business travellers.
Business event itineraries can combine conference programmes with unique experiences such as harbour sailing, panoramic views from the Sky Tower, vineyard tours on Waiheke Island, sporting events at Eden Park, or guided excursions to Rangitoto Island.
The bureau believes this combination allows Auckland to be positioned not simply as an entry point to New Zealand but as a destination where corporate groups can extend programmes over four or more nights, blending meetings with incentive experiences and regional exploration.
Enhanced Convention Infrastructure
Auckland Convention Bureau supports international event organisers with destination planning, venue selection, supplier recommendations, accommodation guidance, incentive programme development and bid support.
The city’s business events offering is set to receive a significant boost with the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), New Zealand’s largest purpose-built convention, exhibition and entertainment venue. The facility is expected to enhance Auckland’s capacity to host larger international conferences, exhibitions and corporate events, including those from the growing Indian market.
Strong Potential in India
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said India represents a high-potential market as organisations increasingly seek destinations that combine quality event infrastructure with memorable delegate experiences.
“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-market.”
He added that the partnership with BRANDit would help strengthen engagement with India’s MICE industry and increase understanding of Auckland’s diverse business events capabilities.
BRANDit to Lead Market Development
Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO and Co-founder of BRANDit, said Auckland offers Indian planners a unique combination of business infrastructure and destination appeal.
“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.”
She noted that the company sees significant opportunities to position Auckland among Indian corporates and MICE planners looking for destinations that deliver both commercial value and memorable delegate experiences.
Strengthening New Zealand’s Appeal
The appointment reflects Auckland Convention Bureau’s broader strategy to grow international business events by strengthening trade relationships in priority outbound markets.
With India’s outbound MICE segment expected to continue expanding in the coming years, the partnership is designed to increase destination awareness, encourage longer business event programmes and position Auckland as a leading choice for meetings, conferences and incentive travel in the Asia-Pacific region.
