Tourism’s big event - TRENZ 2016 starts today!

Tourism’s big event - TRENZ 2016 starts today!

Rotorua has rolled out the welcome mat for more than 1000 international and domestic delegates, who arrive in town today for the start of TRENZ, the $30 billion New Zealand tourism industry’s biggest and most important annual trade event.

Over the course of four days, international travel and tourism buyers from 28 markets around the world will hold a total of more than 18,000 15 minute-meetings with 300 of the country’s leading tourism operators.

“The buyers are the most influential in terms of sending international visitors to New Zealand. They come to TRENZ to purchase accommodation, transport and activities at wholesale rates to include in brochures, websites and itineraries for the coming international holiday seasons,” says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) which manages TRENZ.

“TRENZ is extremely valuable in terms of the new tourism business it generates and the role it plays in helping the industry achieve itsTourism 2025 aspirational goal of $41 billion in total annual tourism turnover by 2025.

“This year we are delighted to welcome 130 New Zealand tourism operators who are exhibiting at TRENZ for at least the 10th consecutive year.

“They range from the country’s national airline and TRENZ Premier Sponsor Air New Zealand, to Chateau Tongariro Hotel and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

“This long-term commitment to TRENZ proves its success as a valuable business event that gives tourism operators an excellent return on their investment,” says Mr Roberts.

TRENZ 2016, on in the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, kicks off tonight with a welcome function that will give international delegates a taste of warm Kiwi hospitality. Several networking events will be held at other Rotorua locations over the four-day event and on Thursday afternoon more than 600 delegates will get out and experience Rotorua visitor attractions first-hand.

“TRENZ will raise Rotorua’s profile as a visitor destination and inject several million dollars into the local economy, including hotel accommodation, transport, meals, functions and the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent staging the event.

“Importantly, TRENZ is bringing tourism business to Rotorua during what is typically a quieter time of the year.

“The place is already buzzing with activity and it’s great to see local cafes and shops with signs welcoming the TRENZ delegates to town.”

Mr Roberts says there has been an extremely high level of interest from international buyers wanting to attend this year’s TRENZ, reflecting New Zealand’s enviable status as a ‘hot’ visitor destination.

ENDS

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