Web in Travel (WiT) has confirmed it will return to Queenstown on 28 March 2028, following the sell-out success of its debut earlier this year. The announcement reinforces the New Zealand resort town's ambition to position itself as a leading travel technology hub in the Southern Hemisphere.
The first WiT Queenstown, held in partnership with Technology Queenstown, drew global travel tech leaders, founders, investors, and tourism executives. Organisers say the strong turnout validated the region's potential as a centre for innovation in travel.
Roger Sharp, Chair of Technology Queenstown, said the location offers a unique environment for industry dialogue. "Queenstown is the perfect place to have conversations about the future of travel. We have millions of visitors, hundreds of tourism businesses, and an emerging technology ecosystem," he noted.
Building on a strong debut
The 2028 edition will build on the momentum of the inaugural event, which sold out well in advance. WiT founder Siew Hoon Yeoh described Queenstown as a natural fit for the WiT community, adding: "It is a destination that understands the importance of innovation, whilst also being a living laboratory for many of the challenges and opportunities facing travel today."
The conference will delve into the technologies and trends reshaping the industry, with a focus on artificial intelligence and digital experiences. Sharp highlighted the rapid evolution of travel tech, saying: "WiT Queenstown gives us a front-row seat. We want to connect the global travel technology community with the people and businesses here who are solving real challenges."
Queenstown's appeal extends beyond its scenery. The town hosts millions of visitors annually and is home to hundreds of tourism operators, making it a live testing ground for new solutions. The event aims to bridge the gap between global tech players and local innovators.
Further details on the programme, speakers, and registration will be announced in due course. In the meantime, the announcement adds to a growing calendar of travel industry gatherings in the region, including MICE events across Asia-Pacific that are vying for attention.
The return to Queenstown also aligns with broader trends in the travel technology sector, where events are increasingly used to showcase practical applications. As airlines, hotel groups, and tour operators seek to modernise, platforms like WiT provide a forum for collaboration.
For travel professionals, the 2028 date offers ample time to plan attendance. The event is expected to attract a mix of established players and startups, with a programme designed to address both strategic and operational challenges.
Queenstown's journey to becoming a pivotal player in travel technology is gaining momentum, and WiT's return is a clear signal of confidence in the region's potential.
