The proposed construction of a new convention centre in Christchurch promises to sprout new opportunities for business tourism in the region.

The country’s government will be announcing the location for the new convention centre in the next few weeks.

Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield said it will provide state of the art conferencing facilities and will open up new tourism opportunities in Canterbury.

“All indications suggest this new convention centre will be bigger and better than the one before and that means we will be able to bid for bigger international conferences and events,” Ms Blanchfield said.

Christchurch has already been selected to host the 2016 International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), which is estimated to contribute NZ$3 million to the local economy.

The conference will be the largest international gatherings held in Christchurch since the February earthquake hit the region last year.

Ms Blachfield said the Bureau’s aim is to secure more international conferences and conventions for Christchurch in the near future.

“We believe the future for business tourism in our region is bright and we anticipate the FIG conference will be the first of many large international gatherings we host as our city rebuilds,” Ms Blanchfield added.