Bringing together almost 300 international travel buyers with about the same number of New Zealand tourism operators to talk business, TRENZ 2011 has been a great success based on delegate feedback, says Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar.

On in Queenstown 22-25 May, this is the first time New Zealand’s premier international tourism trade event has been hosted by the Southern Lakes region.

“The spectacular location created a real buzz about TRENZ 2011 from the outset,” says Mr Cossar. “We held a number of networking and social functions at locations around Queenstown to showcase the region to its best advantage. Most Buyers also went offsite one afternoon to experience some of the activities Southern Lakes has to offer visitors first-hand – that added another dimension to this year’s TRENZ.”

Paul McGahan, Heritage Destinations Manager Southern, NZ Historic Places Trust and a first-time TRENZ Exhibitor, describes the event as “fantastic”.

“We felt it was time to market our properties to the international tourism market to increase our share of tour groups coming to New Zealand, particularly out of the US, UK and Europe. We are also very interested in the emerging Asian markets.”

Mr McGahan is confident the Trust will get new business out of TRENZ 2011.

“We are realistic and know it will take time to build, but TRENZ has been a great learning experience.”

Canterbury’s Glenfalloch Station, a boutique lodge and conference venue about 90 minutes out of Christchurch, is another first-time TRENZ Exhibitor.

“We want to build FIT (free independent travel) visitors over the summer months which is our low period,” says co-owner Dietlind Todhunter.

“TRENZ was really successful for us. We are targeting the high end of the market and have made some really good contacts.”

Jeroen Jongejans, owner of Dive! Tutukaka in Northland and a veteran TRENZ Exhibitor, says the event is an excellent opportunity to showcase New Zealand tourism to the world, to reinforce relationships and look for new opportunities.

“Tourism is very important for the economic development of our country, and the only way to go forward and become stronger is for our industry to work together.”

Mr Jongejans says the new inspirational speaker initiative at TRENZ 2011, supported by Auckland Airport and which included international experts on fast emerging visitor markets such as China, provided valuable insights and new contacts.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key walked the TRENZ floor today, talking with New Zealand Exhibitors and international Buyers, reinforcing the importance of tourism to New Zealand, says Mr Cossar.

“The real measure of success for TRENZ 2011 will be in the coming months and years, when the business done at TRENZ generates additional international visitors to regions throughout New Zealand.”

ENDS

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