TRENZ, the New Zealand tourism industry’s biggest and most influential business event, has drawn to a close in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington – with next year’s host region being officially confirmed as Rotorua.
Over the final two days of last week, 1000 delegates from 25 countries networked, explored the city and conducted business to underpin the success of future tourism seasons in New Zealand.
TRENZ Exhibition Floor 2024.
Australia remains a significant and vital contributor of tourists to Aotearoa, New Zealand, a position it has held for decades. Kiwi tourism industry chiefs at TRENZ stressed the importance of stimulating the Australian market, which is still to rebound fully from the pandemic-related downturn. Australian visitor numbers have recovered 83% since 2019, meaning 265,000 fewer Aussies visited New Zealand between February 2023 and 2024 compared to pre-Covid.
Good times are returning, however, and TRENZ ended on Friday on a festive and positive note, with a lively gala finale at the TSB Arena at Queens Wharf, featuring music, wearable art and a variety of the excellent food, wine and beer for which New Zealand is famous.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram (pictured above with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon) said TRENZ, held in the New Zealand capital for the first time, had been a resounding success.
TRENZ Wearable Art
“TRENZ is always buzzing with energy, and we have had wonderful feedback from our delegates about this event, which has been beautifully supported by our hosts WellingtonNZ,” she said.
“The work done here this week has really put Wellington and Aotearoa New Zealand on the international tourism map.”
Tourism buyers met with sellers to talk business at some 15,000 appointments during TRENZ. By Friday lunchtime, delegates had enjoyed 3000 coffees, 1100 from the Air New Zealand stand alone. The coffee there was excellent!
In an early indication of the importance of TRENZ to New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon officially opened the event at an invite-only welcome function at the Michael Fowler Centre on Wednesday.
Tourism is New Zealand’s second-biggest earner after dairy exports and sometimes ranks number one.
“TRENZ is a critical step in ensuring New Zealand is competitive and well represented on the world stage. We are delighted that the Prime Minister chose to join us to open this important industry event,” Ingram said.
This year’s TRENZ theme was Transformative Tourism, which Ingram described as “highlighting the breadth of impact that tourism brings to our economy, our communities, our environment and the people who visit here”.
As TRENZ drew to a close, the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust confirmed that Rotorua would be the host region for TRENZ next year. TIA delivers the event on behalf of the Trust.
TRENZ 2025 will be held from 6 to 8 May at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre. It was last held in Rotorua in 2019.
“Rotorua is the birthplace of international tourism in New Zealand and we are excited to be taking TRENZ back there next year,” Ingram said.
“With the strong support of RotoruaNZ, we will be able to showcase some of New Zealand’s most exceptional tourism experiences to our international guests.”
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell welcomed the news, saying that as a renowned tourism town, Rotorua was the perfect place to host TRENZ 2025.
“Rotorua is a world-famous destination well-known for its attractions, culture, and beautiful environment.
“We cannot wait to host next year’s event and boost our reputation as a top tourism destination.”
RotoruaNZ Chief Executive Andrew Wilson welcomed delegates worldwide, saying Rotorua was looking forward to their arrival “so they can experience all that is amazing about our wonderful city.
“It is also an opportunity to showcase the many new developments which continue to enhance Rotorua’s reputation as a world class tourism destination.”
Leanne Geraghty, Chief Customer and Sales Officer of Air New Zealand, the event’s premier sponsor, said she’s thrilled to see TRENZ return to Rotorua.
“Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations, and it couldn’t be more fitting that TRENZ is heading back to the region, enabling travel buyers from across the globe to experience all it has to offer.”
In conclusion, TRENZ thanked its support team, including Premier Sponsor Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand. It also expressed gratitude to the TRENZ Host Region – WellingtonNZ; Industry Partner – Auckland Airport, Event Partners – Christchurch Airport, The Tranzit Group, Accommodation Partners – EVT Hotels and Resorts, AccorHotels, Minor Hotels, and James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.
TIA delivers TRENZ on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust and with the assistance of sponsors and supporters.
TRENZ brings hundreds of international travel and tourism product managers annually to negotiate new business deals with several leading New Zealand tourism operators. The event directly helps to grow New Zealand’s tourism economy. TRENZ 2024 was held at the Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre.
TRENZ is understood to have brought about at least NZ$4 million in new spending in Wellington last week.
WellingtonNZ Chief Executive John Allen welcomed the opportunity to showcase Wellington to so many international tourism buyers.
Written by Peter Needham at TRENZ in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
