TRENZ returning to Rotorua in 2016

TRENZ returning to Rotorua in 2016

New Zealand tourism’s biggest annual international business event will return to Rotorua in May 2016, it was announced today.

This year’s TRENZ ends at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre today. Returning to Rotorua next year, 10-13 May, will embed and extend the region’s profile with hundreds of international buyers, maximising the local investment in the event, says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) which manages TRENZ.

TRENZ is the $24 billion New Zealand tourism industry’s premium international trade event, bringing together hundreds of international tourism and travel buyers to negotiate new business deals with several hundred leading New Zealand tourism operators.

“We’ve had a fantastic week in Rotorua. Both the international travel buyers and the New Zealand exhibitors have loved the TRENZ venue, and the opportunity to experience first-hand the central North Island region,” Mr Roberts says.

“We know many international buyers attend TRENZ on alternate years so coming back to Rotorua next year means we can expose the region to many more of these influential industry players, while reinforcing and increasing the knowledge of returning buyers.”

Mr Roberts thanked the organisers of the Rotorua Marathon, who have agreed to move the marathon one week in order to make room for TRENZ 2016.

“This means we can hold TRENZ immediately prior to its Australian equivalent, ATE. Many of our buyers, particularly those from our most distant markets in Europe, North America and northern Asia, prefer to attend both tradeshows in one trip, rather than make two long-haul journeys,” he says. “This will help us attract the most influential and important buyers.”

TRENZ 2016 will be hosted by Destination Rotorua and General Manager Oscar Nathan says the region is delighted to be hosting TRENZ again.

“We expect to see the benefits for several years to come, as buyers discover how much the Rotorua region has to offer and encourage their clients to include it in their itineraries,” he says.

“In the short term, TRENZ brings huge economic benefits to Rotorua, injecting around $2 million into the local economy, including hotel accommodation, transport, meals, functions and the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent staging the event. This is a great boost to our operators during the quieter shoulder season.”

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick says it is fantastic news for Rotorua.

“It’s a great endorsement for all those in our district working extra hard to ensure we remain a top-of-mind visitor destination with an excellent tourism offering. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to making it happen.

“We have always been proud hosts here in Rotorua – it’s where tourism in this country started – and we’ve been working very hard in recent years to refresh what we have to offer.”

Rotorua has built up a reputation as a great place to host events and TRENZ is one of the district’s major events this year, Mayor Chadwick says.

“It means a lot to us to have this commitment to return next year. We look forward to building on the great connections we’ve already made within the industry and to forging new relationships.”

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler believes having the event return to Rotorua in 2016 is a great decision that will continue to benefit the region and lead to more unforgettable experiences for buyers and exhibitors.

“It has been a great week here in Rotorua with travel sellers getting to experience first-hand the very product they promote. I’m sure this will enhance buyers’ knowledge and enthusiasm for the region and New Zealand as a whole.”

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Christopher Luxon says the airline is thrilled TRENZ will be returning to Rotorua next year.

“As a key tourism destination Rotorua is an important part of our network and TRENZ is instrumental not only in promoting New Zealand as a tourism destination but also in showcasing this diverse region and all that it has to offer international visitors.”

ENDS

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