Building a resilient Queenstown Lakes economy by connecting innovation, talent and collaboration in tourism technology
Tourism has long been the backbone of the Queenstown Lakes economy, shaping the region’s identity as the birthplace of adventure tourism.Today, that same pioneering spirit is being applied to technology. Initiatives like Host Tech, Technology Queenstown, and the district’s Economic Diversification Plan - aligned with the Destination Management Plan’s vision for regenerative tourism- are positioning the region as a global hub for travel and hospitality technology. By supporting innovation, creating career pathways, and encouraging collaboration, these efforts are helping operators deliver smarter, more sustainable visitor experiences while building a more resilient and diverse economy.
From adrenaline to algorithms – What Host Tech set in motion
Tourism has always been about creating memorable experiences, and technology is now the supporting engine that makes this possible. From seamless check-ins to tailored itineraries, smart tools are reducing friction for travellers and staff alike. Queenstown Lakes is emerging as a testing ground for these solutions, thanks to its world-class visitor economy and reputation for innovation. Host Tech was established as both a local tech cluster and an event showcase, led by the QLDC Economic Futures team. Now being delivered under contract by Technology Queenstown, it has quickly become a cornerstone for tourism, hospitality, and technology in the district - bringing together local businesses, workers, and innovators to explore and trial new tools designed to transform visitor experiences and increase productivity. From AI-powered guest services to booking platforms that remember individual preferences, the work being done locally highlights how technology can streamline operations while enabling staff to deliver genuine manaakitaka.
Host Tech stands out for its practical focus. By convening start-ups, suppliers, and operators, the initiative seeks to accelerate adoption of innovations that might otherwise take years to reach the frontline. The result is better guest experiences achieved with fewer resources, greater efficiency, and a stronger emphasis on personal connection.
Spinning off from the initiative in 2025, the Economic Futures team has also launched the Digital Catalyst pilot, a partnership that helps local tourism and hospitality businesses lift their digital capability. Through support packages worth up to $5,000, including IT audits and implementation support, the programme enables selected operators to review their existing capability, and trial and adopt new tools that improve productivity and customer experience. Beyond individual businesses, Digital Catalyst aims to build digital confidence across the sector, laying the groundwork for a smarter, more connected visitor economy that reflects the region’s regenerative tourism vision.
Building a technology ecosystem
Host Tech is part of a wider push to grow Queenstown Lakes’ tech sector. Technology Queenstown, launched in 2024, is building the ecosystem needed forlong-term growth. Its vision is to support start-ups, scale-ups, and established firms in tourism, hospitality, and beyond, while creating pathways for students and skilled professionals to develop future-ready careers.
The district’s technology ecosystem is already valued at around $100 million and growing nearly 10% each year. By developing strongeducation partnerships and leveraging global connections, the sector could contribute up to $1.3 billion to local GDP by 2043 and support more than 8,000 jobs. This approach mirrors successful models ininternational mountain towns such as Boulder, Colorado and Bozeman, Montana,where technology now makes up as much as 20% of the economy.
Part of a bigger plan
The growth of tourism and hospitality technology sits within the Queenstown Lakes Economic Diversification Plan, which aims to builda more resilient economy by 2040. One of its three strategic pillars is growing niche export industries, with technology identified as a priority sector alongside outdoor products, environmental enterprise, and food and beverage.
Upcoming events will further boost the district’s reputation. In 2026, Queenstown will host the Web in Travel (WiT) conference, Asia Pacific’s leading travel-tech gathering, with the local Host Tech event integrated into the programme. This will bring senior executives, investors, and innovators from around the world to Queenstown, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect globally.
How does this link to Destination Management
Tourism is central to Queenstown Lakes, but reliance on a single sector carries risk. The Destination Management Plan addresses thisthrough Pillar 3: Build economic resilience, capability and productivity, including Project 19: Innovation and Economic Development. Host Tech advances these goals by fostering a tourism tech cluster, driving adoption of new tools, and supporting diversification through innovations that reduce environmental impact and influence visitor behaviour.
As a testbed for new ideas, Queenstown Lakes strengthens its reputation as an early adopter in green tourism and clean transport while attracting aligned businesses. Host Tech is more than a showcase - it is apractical step toward a regenerative visitor economy that is diverse, resilient, and sustainable.
Local businesses, entrepreneurs, and students can play an active role by joining Host Tech events to trial new technologies, connecting with Technology Queenstown’s growing network, and preparing for opportunities such as WiT Queenstown 2026. Each action strengthens the region’s position as aleader in tourism innovation while advancing the Destination Management Plan’s vision for regeneration.
If you have any questions, feedback, or comments, please reach out through the contact form or visit the Technology Queenstown website for more information.
