Tuesday, 01 September 2026 01:53

Record numbers at HOT’s 20th CHC expo

Sophie McGeady and Leanne Newton from House of Travel Upper Riccarton Sophie McGeady and Leanne Newton from House of Travel Upper Riccarton

House of Travel’s Christchurch Travel Expo drew 4,400 people through the doors just over a week ago, its biggest crowd in the event’s 20-year history, with the Japan and Vietnam and Cambodia information sessions among those reaching full capacity.

The expo was held at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram from 10am to 3pm with 60 exhibitors across South Pacific, Asia, ocean and river cruising, Europe touring and off the beaten track adventure.

River Cruising and Cruise the Mediterranean sessions were at capacity again this year, repeating their popularity from 2025, a sign of sustained interest in those categories among Canterbury travellers.

The First Time to Cruising session was also popular, with consultants reporting strong interest from families planning multigenerational and closer-to-home cruise holidays. 

Dalwyn Sinclair, managing director of House of Travel Upper Riccarton, says customer and supplier feedback in the week since has been consistently positive.

‘Customers have told us the presentations gave them inspiration and travel advice they could actually use to help their planning,’ adds Sinclair. 

House of Travel will confirm dates for its 2027 expo calendar in the coming months.