Snow business like TRENZ 2006

Media Release

Snow business like TRENZ 2006

20 June 2006

Intensive marketing efforts by more than 400 New Zealand tourism operators at TRENZ 2006 will ensure millions of dollars of export earnings are added to the economy, Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Fiona Luhrs says.

TRENZ (Tourism Industry Rendezvous New Zealand) 2006, New Zealand’s biggest annual tourism business event, was successfully held in Christchurch last week, in spite of the wintery storm that threatened to seriously disrupt the event.

The snowstorm that closed roads and airports around the country delayed many of the 400 New Zealand tourism operators, 380 international travel and tourism buyers, and 60 international and New Zealand media representatives who were due to arrive in Christchurch last Monday (12 June). The buyers, from 33 countries, came to purchase accommodation, transport, attractions and activities at wholesale rates, and include them in holiday brochures and itineraries for forthcoming seasons.

But by mid-Tuesday, nearly all delegates had made it to the Westpac Centre where they spent three days in intensive business activity, establishing and renewing relationships worth millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy.

Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Fiona Luhrs said TRENZ 2006 had been a success.

“Tourism businesses at TRENZ are reporting good levels of interest from overseas travel buyers, boding well for the coming seasons. Our falling dollar is definitely making New Zealand a more affordable destination for visitors from our key markets like the United States, UK and Japan,” Ms Luhrs said.

“The weather was an unexpected introduction to New Zealand’s winter

season for many of our international guests but we made sure the Westpac Centre and adjoining facilities were well-heated and everybody was as comfortable as possible.

“I’m impressed by the efforts some of our exhibitors and buyers made to get to the event, in spite of road and airport closures.”

TIA estimates that business generated by TRENZ is worth about $2 billion to the economy each year, out of total annual export earnings by tourism of $7.4 billion.

TRENZ 2006 wound up with SKYCITY Farewell at the Christchurch Convention Centre on Thursday 15 June where Prime Minister Helen Clark formally closed the event.

TRENZ is managed by TIA in partnership with Tourism New Zealand and was supported by Air New Zealand, Qantas and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism.

For more information, visit www.trenz.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media