Over 1000 TRENZ delegates are set to arrive in Wellington today, staying at least until Friday May 10, to attend the tourism industry conference at the Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre.
The event was officially opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at an invite-only welcome function at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) which manages the event, says TRENZ is in its 30th year, and has become the most significant trade event on the industry’s calendar.
“TRENZ is a critical step in ensuring New Zealand is competitive and well represented on a global tourism stage. It’s where business gets done for many New Zealand tourism operators.”
More than 300 top travel buyers from 25 countries are attending this year’s event, and 313 tourism businesses from across New Zealand will showcase their services and products.
“To give you a sense of the scale of TRENZ, over the two core days there are 15,000 appointments scheduled between buyers and sellers,” says Ms Ingram. “They negotiate contracts for accommodation, transport and activities for the coming international holiday seasons, generating millions of dollars for the New Zealand economy.”
TRENZ also provides an opportunity to promote Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on a world stage.
WellingtonNZ, the region’s economic development agency, has organised nearly 50 familiarisation tours to show buyers some of the region’s key attractions, with a focus on creative and natural features.
WellingtonNZ Chief Executive John Allen said the city was thrilled to be hosting TRENZ for the first time.
“Wellington is renowned for its warm welcome to visitors from all over the world and we know that when tourism buyers see what the region has to offer, there will be benefits for the local industry for years to come.
“This year the Wellington region has 23 tourism operators taking part in TRENZ, including nine new to the market, such as East by West ferries, Star Safari and Wanderlust Tourism Group.
“We look forward to showcasing our unique attractions and for participants to experience the special vibe Wellington is known for.”
The event will conclude with a grand Wellington-themed farewell function at the TSB Arena, a chance to show delegates some true New Zealand manaakitanga.
Registrations to attend TRENZ 2024 are by invitation.
Organisations selling New Zealand tourism products must meet strict criteria to ensure they are eligible to represent New Zealand tourism to an international audience. Buyers are coming from all of New Zealand’s major markets and are selected for the high-quality visitors they bring to New Zealand.
TRENZ is managed by TIA on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, supported by Tourism New Zealand and in partnership with Air New Zealand.
