Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant annual travel trade event, TRENZ, has wrapped for another year! We’ve got the lowdown on everything you need to know, plus where TRENZ is heading in 2025!
TRENZ, New Zealand’s biggest annual tourism trade event, officially wrapped up in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on Friday, 10 May.
Over the two conference days, 1,000 delegates from 25 countries were busy networking, getting to know the city, and sealing deals that will ensure the success of future tourism seasons in New Zealand.
So, what were some of the key takeaways from TRENZ 2024? Read on for the lowdown.
1. The key facts & figures
In the year up to February 2024, 1.27 million Australians visited New Zealand, down from 1.54 million in 2019. While overall arrival recovery sits at approximately 83 per cent versus 2019, the economic value from tourism has impressively surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Queenstown, however, is thriving, with visitor numbers at 117 per cent of 2019 figures, but elsewhere, recovery is uneven. Visits from friends and family are at 86 per cent, and holiday travel is just 70 per cent in the year up to February 2024.
Airline capacity between Australia and New Zealand has fallen by 13 per cent, except for Queenstown, where there’s been a 17 per cent increase. Seasonal trends show that 37 per cent of arrivals and 40 per cent of spending occur over the summer months, so a big focus will be on seasonal and regional dispersal.
According to Tourism New Zealand, the number of Australians considering New Zealand as a destination has declined by 14 per cent post-COVID.
However, despite some seeming challenges, 95 per cent of international holidaymakers felt their New Zealand holidays met or exceeded expectations, and 60 per cent of Australian visitors plan to return.
2. A focus on sustainable and transformative travel
The theme of TRENZ 2024 was ‘Transformative Travel’, focusing on the lasting impact travel can have on environments, local communities, and travellers themselves. New Zealand is positioning itself as a destination where visitors can experience profound growth and transformation through its diverse offerings.
Further expanding on this theme, the event also delved into the roles of education and technology in transforming tourism. Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA), introduced a new online program named Akiaki—Advancing Tourism.
Ingram highlighted the program’s benefits: “Akiaki will make it easy for TIA members to learn about sustainability and business capability within tourism.”
Scheduled for release later this year, the program will be accessible to all TIA members and aim to foster a more sustainable and capable New Zealand tourism industry.
3. Exciting updates coming in the aviation sector
Carrie Hurihanganui, Chief Executive at Auckland Airport, unveiled significant developments for New Zealand’s primary entry point, where roughly 75 per cent of international arrivals are processed.
Aiming to enhance passenger flow and comfort, Hurihanganui announced the construction of a new domestic terminal designed to streamline the transit between international and domestic flights. This upgrade will eliminate the current 12-minute outdoor walk, consolidating all operations under one roof.
This development is part of a broader 10-year initiative, which also includes a new runway and additional infrastructure improvements.
Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, complemented Auckland Airport’s enhancements with ambitious updates for the airline. He announced a significant $3.5 billion investment to acquire eight new 787-9 Dreamliners and five Airbus A320neo aircraft. This expansion aims to increase seating capacity on Australia and the Pacific Islands routes.
Additionally, the airline will refurbish the interiors of its 14 Boeing 787 aircraft, introducing the new Business Premier Luxe seats and refreshing other cabin classes. Foran confirmed that the refurbishment is on schedule, with the first updated aircraft expected to be ready by October.
4. TRENZ 2025 is heading back to Rotorua
That’s right, TRENZ is heading back up north to Rotorua! Rotorua is a favourite among those who have attended TRENZ there before (the last time was in 2019). Those who haven’t experienced TRENZ in Rotorua are in for a real treat!
Rotorua is famous for being a destination that allows visitors to have truly transformative experiences. It is a place to immerse in the rich Māori culture, a hub for geothermal wonders, world-class spas, and an extensive network of mountain biking trails.
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell expressed enthusiasm about the announcement, stating that as a renowned tourism town, Rotorua is the perfect place to host TRENZ 2025; “Rotorua is a world-famous destination, well-known for our attractions, culture and beautiful environment. We cannot wait to host next year’s event and boost our reputation as a top tourism destination.”
TRENZ 2025 will take place from 6-8 May at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre.
For more, head to www.trenz.co.nz
