Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant annual travel trade event, TRENZ, has officially kicked off in the nation’s capital Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Karryon reports from New Zealand.
New Zealand’s biggest trade event is back, and spirits are high as, for the very first time, TRENZ is being hosted in the capital city, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. Delegates from around the globe have gathered at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, for the event, which this year has the theme of ‘Transformative Tourism’.
“Travel changes people. We trust a visit to New Zealand will leave them invigorated and truly for the better, with greater understanding of what we care about and our unique culture,” said Dame Kerry Prendergast, Chair of TIA and Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, at the TRENZ 2024 welcome function.
During two full days of appointments, presentations, activities and networking functions, more than 310 New Zealand tourism businesses will showcase their products and services to more than 365 international buyers from 25 markets, including a sizeable Australian trade contingent.
CEO of host city agency WellingtonNZ, John Allen, shared his excitement at the opportunity to host such a key event on New Zealand’s tourism calendar, “Transformation, of course, is the theme of this conference and this is a city that is being transformed, and a city of energy, diversity, debate and discussion,” he said.
Angela Blair, Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager – International, highlighted that Australia will play a key role in New Zealand’s tourism growth, already making up 41 per cent of all arrivals into New Zealand (36 per cent of all holiday arrivals).
“Recovery is now sitting at about 83 per cent from a volume point of view, although we have surpassed 100 per cent from a value point of view,” said Angela at the Auckland Airport New Zealand Tourism Forum.
New Zealand’s tourism sector will be putting its best foot forward over the next few days, showing off not just the range of experiences on offer throughout the country but also the renowned Kiwi hospitality that keeps drawing travellers back for more.
“We have incredible experiences for tourists in this country, that when you survey them when they leave this place, the thing that’s made the difference is their connection with New Zealanders. And that is a thing that is an indelible impression that they have and makes us so different from so many other countries that you can visit,” said Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, during a special appearance at the TRENZ 2024 opening ceremony.
TRENZ runs at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8-10 May, 2024 and is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.
The event is supported by premier sponsor, Air New Zealand, official supporter, Tourism New Zealand, as well as a range of event partners.
For more, head to www.trenz.co.nz
