TRENZ 2016 kicks off in classic Kiwiana style

TRENZ 2016 kicks off in classic Kiwiana style

Rotorua – 10 May 2016

More than 800 influential tourism delegates attended the official opening of TRENZ 2016 in Rotorua tonight when they were treated to a taste of classic Kiwi culture.

The opening ceremony of the annual national tourism trade show was the first chance for many of the international buyers to mingle with representatives of New Zealand’s tourism industry and has set the tone for this important event.

Unprecedented for TRENZ, Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre was transformed into a New Zealand food market with Combi vans, caravans and outdoor barbecues serving up a selection of delicious Kiwi kai. Classics like mussel fritters, barbeque scallops, venison sausages, fried bread and pavlova were all on the menu, accompanied by award-winning Volcanic Hills wine and Good George craft beer and cider.

“The idea behind the theme was to take our visitors on a journey, much like any Kiwi would during the gorgeous New Zealand summer,” said Destination Rotorua Trade Manager Patrick Dault. “We knew that our visitors would fall in love with the abundance and quality of our food and beverage offerings, which are often exclusive to high end restaurants overseas yet are the norm here in Aotearoa.”

“We wanted to show our guests that in Rotorua and New Zealand, informal doesn’t mean unsophisticated. We have some of the best food and beverage offerings in the world and that is part of the great Kiwi experience,” said Mr Dault.

Entertainment was provided by local talent with The Four Winds, Rotorua Musical Theatre and the Stella and Georgia Duo all performing during the evening with Kelly Makiha and Matt Evans headlining. Jugglers performed wild tricks and the international guests were entertained by Hobbit sightings as some furry feet made an appearance from Matamata.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, who welcomed the TRENZ delegates at the function, said it was a fitting launch for an important event which provided huge opportunities for the district.

“Rotorua people have grown up knowing the value of tourism and we have been hosts for more than 150 years,” she said.

“We have a sensational local industry and TRENZ attracts the most astute tourism buyers in the world. They will experience what makes Rotorua unique and see new offerings which have been launched in the past year – it’s a huge opportunity for us.

“We’re excited to be hosting this prestigious event as we continue our focus on the three pillars that make us a world class destination – Maori culture, mountain biking and natural hot springs and wellness,” Mayor Chadwick said.

TRENZ brings New Zealand tourism operators (exhibitors) together with targeted international travel and tourism buyers and media from New Zealand’s key established and emerging tourism markets. Hosted by Destination Rotorua, TRENZ 2016 is being held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre, 10-13 May 2016.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) manages TRENZ on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust. TRENZ is supported by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and other industry partners.

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