Rotorua has rolled out the welcome mat for more than 1000 international and domestic delegates, who today said Kia Ora for the start of TRENZ, New Zealand tourism industry’s biggest and most important annual trade event.
Over the course of the next four days, international travel and tourism buyers from 28 markets around the world will hold a total of more than 18,000 15 minute-meetings with 300 of the country’s leading tourism operators.
KarryOn is extremely privileged to be the only Australian media in attendance as part of an international contingent to report back on all that’s new and exciting in New Zealand travel trends.
Welcome to Rotorua – the Culture Capital of New Zealand! #trenz #trenz2016 #rotorua #tamakimaorivillage pic.twitter.com/C18eFmmLxa
— Tamaki Maori Village (@TamakiVillage) May 10, 2016
“The buyers are the most influential in terms of sending international visitors to New Zealand.”
Chris Roberts, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive
“They come to TRENZ to purchase accommodation, transport and activities at wholesale rates to include in brochures, websites and itineraries for the coming international holiday seasons.”
“TRENZ is extremely valuable in terms of the new tourism business it generates and the role it plays in helping the industry achieve its Tourism 2025 aspirational goal of $41 billion in total annual tourism turnover by 2025.
“This year we are delighted to welcome 130 New Zealand tourism operators who are exhibiting at TRENZ for at least the 10th consecutive year.
#Tourism tradeshow a must for @HawkesBay_NZ https://t.co/aojmmwhqyw #TRENZ2016 #NZ pic.twitter.com/EXZ108M3J0
— TRENZ (@TRENZ2016) May 10, 2016
“They range from the country’s national airline and TRENZ Premier Sponsor Air New Zealand, to Chateau Tongariro Hotel and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
“This long-term commitment to TRENZ proves its success as a valuable business event that gives tourism operators an excellent return on their investment.”
TRENZ 2016, held in the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, kicked off last night with a welcome function that gave international delegates a taste of warm Kiwi hospitality.
Several networking events will be held at other Rotorua locations over the four-day event and on Thursday afternoon more than 600 delegates will get out and experience Rotorua visitor attractions first-hand.
#NZ #tourism‘s big event – #TRENZ2016 starts today! https://t.co/yn9rUAhEpw @rotoruaNZ pic.twitter.com/NoPWt2K0uW
— TRENZ (@TRENZ2016) May 10, 2016
“TRENZ will raise Rotorua’s profile as a visitor destination and inject several million dollars into the local economy, including hotel accommodation, transport, meals, functions and the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent staging the event,” he added.
“Importantly, TRENZ is bringing tourism business to Rotorua during what is typically a quieter time of the year.
“The place is already buzzing with activity and it’s great to see local cafes and shops with signs welcoming the TRENZ delegates to town.”
Mr Roberts says there has been an extremely high level of interest from international buyers wanting to attend this year’s TRENZ, reflecting New Zealand’s enviable status as a ‘hot’ visitor destination.