Queenstown welcomes world’s tourism heavyweights for TRENZ

Saturday, 5 May 2012, 12:55 pm
Press Release: Destination Queenstown

Queenstown welcomes world’s tourism heavyweights for TRENZ

Queenstown begins welcoming tourism heavyweights from around the world this weekend ahead of TRENZ, New Zealand’s premier international trade event.

More than 1,000 people from 31 countries - including international travel buyers, New Zealand exhibitors, domestic and international media, sponsors and VIPs - are expected to attend the Tourism Industry Association-managed event which runs 7-10 May at Queenstown Events Centre.

This is the second consecutive year TRENZ has been hosted in the world-renowned Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland.

Destination Queenstown Chairman Mark Quickfall said the local community was looking forward to welcoming TRENZ visitors and showcasing what the resort has to offer.

“To have some of the world’s most influential travel buyers and media visit our region and experience it firsthand is fantastic but to also be able to host activity afternoons and showcase the diversity of our scenery and experiences is an invaluable opportunity.”

As part of the TRENZ programme, on Wednesday more than 500 buyers, media and exhibitors will have the chance to enjoy a range of experiences, from jetboating, skydiving and four-wheel driving to scenic flights, wine tours and a ride on a vintage steam train. On Thursday there will be a dedicated activity afternoon for media to try some of Queenstown’s new experiences, including You vs. Wild and Art Adventures.

Travel buyers and media also get the chance to experience the best of Wanaka and Fiordland on hosted visits before and after TRENZ.

Mr Quickfall said the timing of TRENZ was ideal for the region.

“The scenery is looking particularly beautiful at the moment as the seasons turn. We still have the red and gold colours of autumn but now they’re complemented by a dusting of snow on the mountains as we head towards winter.”

Local tourism marketing organisation Destination Queenstown will represent the Queenstown region at TRENZ alongside a 35-strong team of local tourism operators who will be showcasing their product and services to targeted travel buyers to negotiate contracts for the coming seasons.

Local exhibitors include Discover Arrowtown, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, Real Journeys, Shotover Jet, Hilton Hotels, Kingston Flyer, Kawarau Jet, Southern Discoveries, Base Backpackers, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Rydges Hotels and Resorts, and Scenic Hotel Group.

For more information about TRENZ please visit www.trenz.co.nz or for a comprehensive overview of Queenstown please visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

ENDS

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