Its theme, Navigating Tomorrow: Advancing Intelligent Transport Together, will forefront Auckland’s transport innovation and technological expertise and include highlights in network optimisation for public transport and road networks using AI-driven systems, new electric ferries, and the City Rail Link. It will include state-of-the-art advancements like Australasia’s largest all-electric bus depot and mobile wire inductive charging, and will cement Auckland as the centre of the intelligent transport future.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
The successful bid for the 2027 forum has profound implications for Auckland’s tourism sector. Hosting a major international conference like the AP ITS Forum will not only draw thousands of delegates from around the world but will also result in significant economic benefits for local businesses. With an expected 3,000 visitor nights, the event is poised to inject millions of dollars into Auckland’s hospitality sector, including hotels, retailers, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.
The $1.27 million economic impact reflects not just the immediate financial gains but also the long-term benefits of increased exposure for Auckland as a destination for business events. The city will be showcased on the global stage as a leader in transportation innovation, attracting further international investment, fostering knowledge exchange, and positioning itself as a hub for smart transport solutions.
Auckland has long been an attractive destination for business events, and this success will further cement the city’s reputation as a key player in global business tourism. The conference will provide a platform for local businesses to showcase their expertise in intelligent transport technology, while also opening doors for collaboration with international firms and investors.
Auckland as a Global Innovation Hub
The win to host the Asia-Pacific ITS Forum supports Auckland’s vision of becoming a global innovation hub. The city’s forward-thinking approach to transport and infrastructure development has made it an ideal location for hosting such a significant international event. Auckland’s commitment to creating a smart, sustainable transport network aligns perfectly with the objectives of the forum, which seeks to explore how the right policies and technologies can address transport challenges on a global scale.
Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to bring global experts to the city. “This win supports our vision of Auckland as a global innovation hub. It shows we are open to international expertise and investment to grow our transport future, while also showcasing our homegrown technology and talent,” Pereira said. This sentiment was echoed by Penelope Ryan, Global Manager of Business Events at Tourism New Zealand, who emphasized the opportunity for delegates to not only engage with Auckland’s transport innovations but also enjoy the city’s world-class dining, activities, and vibrant culture.
Auckland is already a well-known center for innovation, and hosting the forum will further solidify this reputation. The presence of cutting-edge transport solutions, such as the City Rail Link, which is set to transform Auckland’s public transport system, will be highlighted during technical tours and demonstrations. These initiatives demonstrate how Auckland is at the forefront of sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced transport solutions that will shape the future of urban mobility worldwide.
A Strong Focus on Technology and Sustainability
The AP ITS Forum’s emphasis on technology-driven solutions will provide Auckland with a unique opportunity to highlight its ongoing efforts to create a safer, more sustainable, and productive transport network. The technical tours during the forum will include visits to the University of Auckland’s Transportation Research Centre, which is a global leader in dynamic wireless inductive charging, and ERoad, the developers of New Zealand’s nationwide electronic Road User Charges System. These innovative technologies align with the forum’s focus on leveraging AI and digital tools to optimise transport systems for the future.
This focus on sustainability and innovation will attract the interest of global investors, business leaders, and transport professionals looking for new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of intelligent transport systems. The forum will also provide a platform for local innovators and startups to showcase their work, helping to further integrate Auckland into the global transport innovation ecosystem.
Enhancing Auckland’s Tourism Appeal
Beyond the economic benefits, the forum will also enhance Auckland’s appeal as a tourist destination. Delegates attending the conference will not only engage with the latest developments in intelligent transport but will also have the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant tourism offerings. From its world-class dining and entertainment to its stunning natural landscapes, Auckland provides an array of attractions for international visitors.
As the forum draws a global audience, it will also boost Auckland’s profile as a destination for future business events, conferences, and exhibitions. The city’s modern infrastructure, including the NZICC, will provide a world-class venue for future events, making it an attractive choice for organisations seeking to host international gatherings. Additionally, the event will encourage more international travel to Auckland, fostering cultural exchange and expanding the city’s global network.
The 2027 ITS Forum will also provide Auckland with an opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s manaakitanga (hospitality) to international delegates, leaving a lasting impression of the country’s warmth, generosity, and commitment to sustainability.
Future Prospects and Long-Term Benefits
The long-term advantages of Auckland hosting the AP ITS Forum will go far beyond the short-term stimulus provided through the event itself. As Auckland cements its reputation as a center of excellence in intelligent transport systems, the forum will act as a catalyst for future innovation, cooperation, and investment in Auckland’s transport network. The contacts made during the event will provide the foundation for future partnerships, stimulating further advance in the creation of smart, sustainable, and efficient transport systems.
Winning the 2027 Asia-Pacific ITS Forum bid for Auckland represents another step towards Auckland’s emergence as a centre for transport innovation globally. Besides putting Auckland’s latest transport technologies in the spotlight, it will offer an opportunity for building international relationships, investment attraction, as well as raising the profile of Auckland as the ultimate destination for business and tourism.
Tags: Auckland Convention Bureau, Tourism New Zealand Business Events,21st Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum (AP ITS)
