Tourism showcase set to boost economy

Tourism showcase set to boost economy

More than 1000 international and New Zealand delegates will undertake 15,000 meetings at TRENZ 2014 (18-21 May, Auckland), the tourism’s industry annual showcase, worth tens of millions of dollars to the economy and several million to the host region.

Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export industry, earning $9.6 million in foreign exchange annually, and TRENZ is its most important international trade event. Over four days, 260 of the country’s top tourism operators and 300 international travel and tourism buyers will come together for a programme packed full of business meetings and networking functions.

“The buyers are looking for tourism products such as hotels, attractions, activities and tours that they can sell to consumers in their home countries,” says Ann-Marie Johnson, Communications Manager for the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand which manages the event.

“The business done at TRENZ 2014 will generate tens of millions in new tourism business for New Zealand over the coming years,” says Ms Johnson.

“This year we have buyers from 30 countries attending, including traditional visitor markets such as Australia, USA, Germany and UK, newer, fast growing markets like China, and emerging target markets such as Indonesia and Brazil. We are also hosting around 30 international media who will help promote Destination New Zealand around the world.”

TRENZ 2014 opens tomorrow with a function at the Auckland Viaduct Events Centre that will highlight the host region’s diversity.

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says Auckland looks forward to welcoming delegates for TRENZ.

“After a successful event last year, it’s great to have the opportunity to showcase more of the region’s activities and attractions to international travel buyers and media. TRENZ is also a valuable business event for Auckland, generating $2.34 million for the region.”

Ms Johnson says hosting TRENZ in May pumps several million dollars into the Auckland economy in areas such as hotel accommodation, transport, restaurants, bars and attractions, during what is traditionally a quieter month for New Zealand’s visitor industry.

“Business events such as TRENZ are an important way of addressing the industry’s seasonality issues. They are one of the high value opportunities contained in the industry’s Tourism 2025 growth framework that aspires to grow New Zealand’s total annual tourism revenue from the current $24 billion to $41 billion by 2025.”

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