Applications are now open for TRENZ 2025, the flagship event on Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism calendar, where the nation’s leading operators will convene with top-tier international and domestic travel buyers. This high-profile business-to-business event, scheduled for May 6-8, 2025, is anticipated to draw widespread interest and participation, solidifying its status as a critical driver of economic value for the nation’s tourism sector.
Organized by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust (TINZT), TRENZ is the country’s largest annual tourism trade event, serving as the premier platform for fostering strategic partnerships and stimulating business growth. The 2025 edition will be held in Rotorua, a city celebrated for its rich Māori cultural heritage, geothermal wonders, and distinctive visitor experiences. TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram emphasizes that TRENZ is not merely an exhibition but a vital business forum shaping the future of New Zealand’s tourism landscape.
Driving Economic Impact on New Zealand Tourism
“TRENZ is where pivotal business connections are forged, and deals are made that propel our industry forward,” Ingram states. “It’s an opportunity for New Zealand’s tourism operators to showcase their products and services to a global audience, ensuring our industry remains interconnected and competitive in the global marketplace.”
This year’s TRENZ in Wellington attracted over 300 travel buyers worldwide and within New Zealand, engaging with 313 domestic tourism businesses. The outcomes were overwhelmingly positive: 96% of sellers deemed TRENZ crucial or highly significant compared to other sales initiatives, and 74% anticipated generating more than $50,000 in revenue due to their participation. Remarkably, 58% of attendees projected over $100,000 in turnover, highlighting TRENZ’s unparalleled value for industry stakeholders.
Spotlight on Rotorua as a Premier Host City
For Rotorua, hosting TRENZ 2025 is more than an opportunity to elevate its profile as a tourist destination—it’s a strategic advantage for the region’s economic development. RotoruaNZ Chief Executive Andrew Wilson expressed enthusiasm for the city’s role in showcasing its unique offerings to a global audience.
“Our city is globally recognized for its unique blend of Māori culture, geothermal activity, and world-class adventure tourism. Hosting TRENZ 2025 enables us to put Rotorua at the forefront of international travel trade discussions, reinforcing our standing as a premier destination in Aotearoa,” Wilson explains. “This event will bring hundreds of tourism leaders and professionals into our region, boosting the local economy and driving future visitation.”
The three-day event will offer extensive networking opportunities, product showcases, and industry insights, all set against the stunning backdrop of Rotorua’s geothermal parks and vibrant Māori cultural sites. TRENZ is expected to draw representatives from key source markets such as Australia, North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a hub for generating substantial business leads and fostering international collaborations.
A Platform for Strategic Industry Engagement
TRENZ 2025 will feature an agenda to maximize business outcomes, including pre-scheduled appointments, educational workshops, and the opportunity to experience first-hand the diverse tourism offerings that make New Zealand a unique travel destination. According to Ingram, the event’s role is to create immediate business deals and establish long-term partnerships that will benefit the entire tourism value chain.
“The discussions and agreements made at TRENZ will set the stage for New Zealand’s tourism growth over the coming years, providing invaluable support to operators as they navigate the evolving market dynamics,” she adds.
Applications Now Open
With applications now open, tourism operators eager to secure their spot at this high-impact event are racing to the finish line. Interested parties are encouraged to visit TRENZ’s official website for detailed application information and event updates.
TRENZ 2025 promises to be a landmark event, delivering a powerful platform for tourism businesses to connect, innovate, and capitalize on new opportunities. As the countdown to May begins, anticipation is building for what is set to be one of the most influential editions of TRENZ in its illustrious history.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
