New Zealand’s cultural centre, Rotorua, has been selected to host New Zealand tourism’s biggest annual international business event, TRENZ, in 2016.
The decision was revealed on the final day of TRENZ 2015, which was held in the destination this week.
Returning to Rotorua next year, 10-13 May, will embed and extend the region’s profile with hundreds of international buyers, maximising the local investment in the event, says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) which manages TRENZ.
The crowds are rolling in for #TRENZ2015 pic.twitter.com/dMqzURyYIm
— TRENZ (@TRENZ2015) May 17, 2015
TRENZ is the $24 billion New Zealand tourism industry’s premium international trade event, bringing together hundreds of international tourism and travel buyers to negotiate new business deals with several hundred leading New Zealand tourism operators.
“We know many international buyers attend TRENZ on alternate years so coming back to Rotorua next year means we can expose the region to many more of these influential industry players, while reinforcing and increasing the knowledge of returning buyers.”
Chris Roberts, TIA Chief Executive
TRENZ 2016 will be hosted by Destination Rotorua and General Manager Oscar Nathan says the region is delighted to be hosting TRENZ again.
Roberts added that he expects the destination will see benefits of hosting two events back-to-back.
#Rotorua you are looking lovely today to welcome #TRENZ2015 delegates. pic.twitter.com/dNBCTSRvmR — TRENZ (@TRENZ2015) May 17, 2015
In the short term, TRENZ 2015 has injected some $2 million into the local economy, including hotel accommodation, transport, meals, functions and the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent staging the event.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick welcomed the news, saying it’s a ‘great endorsement’ for the destination.
“We have always been proud hosts here in Rotorua – it’s where tourism in this country started – and we’ve been working very hard in recent years to refresh what we have to offer.”
Steve Chadwick, Rotorua Mayor
Relax & continue networking at the end of your #TRENZ2015 day in the TRENZ bar http://t.co/1AXerfGmcz pic.twitter.com/YH3tcU7Yhv
— TRENZ (@TRENZ2015) May 12, 2015
Rotorua has built up a reputation as a great place to host events and TRENZ is one of the district’s major events this year, Mayor Chadwick says.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler believes having the event return to Rotorua in 2016 is a great decision that will continue to benefit the region and lead to more unforgettable experiences for buyers and exhibitors.