Rotorua wins international congress bid for 2015

Rotorua won its bid in Thailand on Tuesday night to host the 6^th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress (APOTC) of around 600 delegates for 2015.

It is the first time APOTC has decided to come to a Pacific Nation with previous congresses having been held in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.

The APOTC congress will be held at the purpose built, Rotorua Energy Events Centre, for a period of up to six days and there will also be pre and post touring options throughout New Zealand.

 It is estimated that the APOTC delegates will spend $1.6 million over the six days, excluding their international flights, having a significant impact upon Rotorua business. Statistics show international delegates can spend up to three times more per day, than the average international visitor.

Rotorua Convention Bureau conference and incentive manager Denise Siviter said it was the first time the Bureau had pitched a Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) conference assistance programme (CAP) bid. There was also support from Convention Management New Zealand and the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists (NZAOT).

“This is an exciting time for Rotorua as we see the city start to be taken seriously on the international arena,” she said. 

NZAOT president Rita Robinson pitched the bid in Thailand, competing against presentations by Singapore and the Philippines which appealed for close proximity and affordability for Asian delegates. However, the accessibility of New Zealand with a number of airlines flying into Auckland was clearly explained.

TNZ business events bid manager Leonie Ashford said the international committee was very impressed with the bid and the presentation was commended for its professionalism.

She said the win was accepted graciously even though excitement was boiling over.

“Waiting for the result was like being in a Miss World pageant,” she said.

Siviter said Rotorua was chosen by the APOTC New Zealand Committee as the perfect destination to pitch, because of its uniqueness in offering many different experiences, such as culture, geothermal wonders, world-first activities, spa experiences and adventure.

The APOTC draws together eminent occupational therapists and health professionals from the Asia Pacific and Worldwide, to share the rich diversity of their research, skills and techniques.

Ends

Media contact:

Denise Siviter

Rotorua Convention Bureau Conference and Incentive Manager

P: 07 351 7106

E: denise@rotoruanz.com

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