Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant trade event, TRENZ, is underway in Ōtautahi Christchurch following a spectacular welcome for delegates from the South Island’s traditional iwi, Ngai Tūāhuriri.
New Zealand’s biggest trade event is back, with this year’s Canterbury-hosted TRENZ taking on extra special sentiment, given it is the first full-program in-person show since 2019 without any Covid-19 restrictions.
It’s also the first time the annual show has returned to Ōtautahi Christchurch for 17 years. Not surprisingly, the mood and anticipation for this year’s event are of excitement and renewed optimism as Tourism New Zealand’s recovery continues.
Held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the stunning gathering space in the heart of the reimagined city only opened last year after being completely reimagined and rebuilt following the devastating earthquakes of 2010-11.
“The theme underpinning TRENZ 2023 is tūhura, meaning discover, bring to light, unearth, open up, explore, investigate – which really is what travel is about. Every visitor embarks on their own journey of discovery – unearthing their New Zealand – and making memories that shape them forever,” TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said at the opening function.
During four days of appointments, presentations, activities and networking functions for 1500 delegates, over 300 New Zealand tourism businesses will showcase their products and services to more than 330 international Buyers from 25 markets, including a sizeable Australian trade contingent.
“How special this is that we get to spend the next few days renewing existing relationships, discovering new ones, and doing lots of quality business for New Zealand,” said Ms Ingram.
“Hosting TRENZ is another fabulous milestone for our city, and we are excited to be showcasing one of the world’s newest cities to you,” said Ali Adams, the CEO of host city agency ChristchurchNZ.
“TRENZ plays an important role in the recovery of New Zealand’s valuable tourism industry; it ensures that New Zealand is well positioned on a world stage,” Rebecca Ingram said.
TRENZ runs at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from Monday, 8 – 11 May 2023 and is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust.
The event benefits from the strong support of its Premier Sponsor, Air New Zealand and its official Supporter, Tourism New Zealand, as well as a range of prestigious event partners.
For more, head to www.trenz.co.nz
