Auckland will once again host The Ocean Race, a major win for local hospitality businesses in the City of Sails.
The Ocean Race will return to Auckland once again. Previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and the Volvo Ocean Race, the event will provide a financial boost into the City of Sails and elevate the local tourism industry.
“New Zealand is a proud sailing nation, and Auckland is well-known internationally as the ‘City of Sails’. The return of this event to our largest city will be a boost for the local economy, and I’m sure Kiwis across the country will take a keen interest in this important international race,” said Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown.
The Restaurant Association welcomed the announcement that the Ocean Race will return to Auckland in 2027, bringing a much-needed boost to the city’s hospitality sector.
The Government’s decision to invest up to NZD 4 million in the internationally recognised event will provide significant economic benefits to Auckland, drawing thousands of international visitors and stimulating local business activity.
Restaurant Association CEO Marisa Bidois said the return of the Ocean Race to Auckland was fantastic news for the hospitality sector, which has continued to face economic challenges.
“Major events like this bring people into the city, filling our cafes, restaurants, and bars, and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive,” said Bidois.
The two-week stopover in March 2027 is expected to bring more than 2,500 international visitors, generating an estimated NZD 20 million in spending.
“Auckland is an incredible city with a world-class food and hospitality scene. The Ocean Race stopover will not only attract visitors but also showcase our culinary and cultural offerings to an international audience,” Bidois added.
With previous Auckland stopovers drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the race village, the Restaurant Association sees this as an opportunity to reignite vibrancy in the central city, supporting local businesses.
“We know that major events play a key role in revitalising urban areas, and with many hospitality businesses still recovering from tough trading conditions, this is a timely boost,” said Bidois.
“We look forward to working with the organisers to ensure our industry can fully benefit from the Ocean Race’s return.”
The Government’s support also included additional youth and sustainability programmes to be held in the lead-up to the 2027 Stopover in Auckland, helping to make the most of the impact from hosting these types of events for future generations.
“In 2018, 500,000 people visited the Auckland stopover village, so I’m confident New Zealanders will get behind this event and make it another success,” added Brown.
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