TRENZ 2010 fosters optimism for NZ tourism industry

01 June 2010

New Zealand’s tourism industry formed a solid foundation for future international business at TRENZ 2010, according to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

TRENZ, the largest annual international tourism business event in New Zealand, was held at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland last week.  It was attended by 250 of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators who met with more than 270 international travel Buyers from New Zealand’s major and emerging visitor markets.  Over the course of three days, they negotiated business deals for accommodation, transport, and activities to include in brochures, websites and itineraries for the coming seasons.

More than 30 international media delegates also attended, along with 25 New Zealand journalists.

“Delegates at TRENZ 2010 showed real optimism for the future,” TIA Chief Executive Tim Cossar says.  “There was a sense of confidence that wasn’t there a year ago and it feels like we are emerging from the economic downturn.

“Crucially, the quality of Buyers who attended TRENZ 2010 was high.  TRENZ is a showcase for New Zealand’s tourism industry but it has to attract Buyers who are able to offer us beneficial agreements.  I am confident that tourism operators who attended this year’s event were able to build good international relationships that will benefit them into the future.”

Hot topics for discussion at TRENZ 2010 included the impending GST increase and government proposals to mine public conservation land, Mr Cossar says.

“Many of our international delegates were well aware of these issues.  The perceptions of New Zealand are important in the international marketplace and we must take care to protect our status as a high quality, good value destination.”

TRENZ 2010 was managed by TIA in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and other industry supporters.

NZ tourism operators’ comments on TRENZ 2010

Accor New Zealand Director of Sales – Inbound, Arlene Lee, says the enhancements made to TRENZ in 2010 ensured another outstanding event for Accor as both an exhibitor and sponsor

“We were particularly impressed with the quality and quantity of Buyers, especially given the context of the global financial crisis.

“We’re very much looking forward to Queenstown in 2011 and the continued evolution of the event to achieve the optimal business return for exhibitors and buyers alike.”

Auckland Airport general manager aeronautical business development manager Glenn Wedlock says: “TRENZ 2010 was a fantastic event. It was very well run, all of our appointments and meetings were of a very high quality, and most importantly plenty of tourism business was developed for New Zealand. Auckland Airport is also excited by the possibilities of a new format for TRENZ 2011 and is looking forward to being involved.”

Johnstons Group and its divisions Johnston’s Coachlines, Gray Line NZ and Airbus Express received good value from TRENZ 2010, says Managing Director Philip Manning. 

“We were appreciative of excellent appointment streams with many high calibre buyers.  Added to this, the other networking opportunities and functions during the week see us focusing on brighter times ahead.  TRENZ is an important event on our annual calendar and whilst not always directly auditable in revenue numbers the relationships gained and reaffirmed each year can add immense value to our business.”

SKYCITY Hotels Group and NZ Facilities Development General Manager Simon Jamieson is again delighted to have been a major sponsor of TRENZ.

“As a key player in the Auckland tourism market we are pleased with the positive outlook from the myriad of Buyers we met with last week.  Both Buyers and Media from markets across the board were excited about the upcoming season.  The industry is hopeful of an uplift in business as a result. The event was immensely valuable for building our inbound market and we continue to appreciate and build our partnership with the TIA and the other sponsors.

“We received an overwhelmingly positive response to the catering we provided at the ASB Showgrounds and the SKYCITY TRENZ Farewell Function where we hosted over 850 Buyers and Media at our site.  The final party, hosted at the SKYCITY Convention Centre, was again a highlight of the event.” 

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive Graeme Osborne says TRENZ provided immeasurable opportunities to showcase destination Auckland.

“It’s always a pleasure to host international guests in Auckland and the event undoubtedly gained valuable exposure for our region. With Auckland welcoming 70% of all international visitors to New Zealand it’s fitting that the Buyers and Media enjoyed a taste of Auckland.”

Visit www.trenz.co.nz / Follow TRENZ10 on Twitter / Find TRENZ on Facebook

For further information, please contact:

Ann-Marie Johnson
Communications Manager
Tourism Industry Association (TIA)
Phone: 04 496 5001
Mobile: 027 600 4565
Email: ann-marie.johnson@tianz.org.nz
www.tianz.org.nz