Queenstown is betting on technology to reshape its economy, aiming to become the Southern Hemisphere’s leading travel tech hub within two decades. The plan, backed by Accenture and a coalition of New Zealand corporations, targets a billion-dollar annual tech GDP by 2046.
From adventure capital to tech hub
Roger Sharp, chair of Technology Queenstown, sees travel as a force that adapts to disruption. His initiative, launched in partnership with the inaugural WiT Queenstown conference in July 2026, seeks to diversify the region’s economy without abandoning tourism.
The town already draws visitors each year. Its reliance on the sector left it exposed during the pandemic. The shift isn’t about replacing tourism but adding technology to it. Sharp says the existing visitor base provides a natural testing ground for innovations. “The adjacency practically builds itself,” he explains.
AI and the battle for trust
Sharp’s outlook on travel tech is cautious yet hopeful. Global startup funding in the sector fell 40% behind last year’s first quarter, though companies with clear demand still attract investment. “If you’re solving a real need, you’ll raise money,” he states.
The biggest opportunities lie in business-to-business solutions. Sharp highlights persistent issues like hotel check-ins, where guests face repetitive questions despite frequent stays. AI platforms could combine data from messaging apps, emails, and voice calls to tailor experiences—knowing preferences before arrival. “The technology exists, and the margins are finally catching up,” he adds.
Consumer adoption remains uncertain. Sharp doubts AI will displace online travel agencies like Expedia or Booking.com soon. Incumbents have the resources to evolve, and trust in new tools develops slowly. He compares the situation to neobanks, noting that while Revolut is valued at $70–100 billion, traditional banks remain dominant.
Technology could also help destinations manage growth. Queenstown’s annual visitors rely on infrastructure funded by just 20,000 ratepayers. Sharp emphasizes focusing on “value per tourist” rather than volume. “We have one social license, and if we lose it, recovery takes years.”
For smaller destinations, balancing innovation with sustainability is difficult. A tech-driven approach might ease visitor flows, but it could also prioritize data over experience. The real test is ensuring tools serve travelers, not just businesses.
India’s inbound wave
New Zealand’s free trade agreement with India, along with an Air New Zealand–Air India codeshare and direct flights starting in 2028, could open a major new market. Sharp estimates 14 million potential travelers from just two Indian cities, with spending levels matching those of American and British visitors. “The issue isn’t whether they’ll come,” he says. “It’s whether New Zealand is prepared.”
Queenstown’s appeal to tech leaders is its location. Sharp found securing speakers for WiT Queenstown simple once the destination was mentioned. “When we said it’s in Queenstown, they went, ‘Yes, I’m there.’” We’ve got a stellar lineup already in place for WiT Queenstown.
The region’s goal isn’t just attracting startups but proving a tourism-dependent economy can evolve without losing its identity. Success depends on whether technology enhances the experience for travelers, not just profits.
Sharp’s vision aligns with efforts to build more satisfied customer bases in travel, where innovation meets real-world needs.