Tourism showcase to return to Auckland in 2014

TRENZ, New Zealand’s biggest annual international tourism showcase, will return to Auckland in 2014, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) announced today.

TRENZ is the $23.4 billion New Zealand tourism industry’s major international marketing event, bringing together hundreds of international tourism and travel buyers from around the globe to negotiate new business deals with around the same number of New Zealand tourism operators.

The announcement came on the final day of TRENZ 2013, which has been taking place this week on Auckland’s waterfront, in The Cloud and Shed 10. It was the first time TRENZ has been held in the centre of Auckland and the first event to use both The Cloud and Shed 10.

“We’ve had a fantastic week in Auckland. Both the international travel Buyers and the New Zealand Exhibitors have loved the TRENZ venue, and the ease of access to Auckland’s hotels, restaurants and entertainment has been great,” TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden says.

“There has been a real buzz at the event and I’m confident it will result in plenty of great business for the New Zealand tourism operators who are here.”

TRENZ will take place 18-21 May 2014, and will again be held on Auckland’s waterfront.

Returning to Auckland in 2014 will give the host region more opportunity to benefit from the event, as many international Buyers attend on alternate years. New elements are being developed for the 2014 programme to take advantage of all that Auckland has to offer as a visitor destination, Mr Snedden says.

TRENZ 2014 will be aligned with its Australian equivalent ATE, allowing international Buyers to attend both events.

A number of regions have registered their interest in hosting TRENZ in future.

“TRENZ is a fabulous opportunity for regions to showcase what they have to offer international visitors and we look forward to taking the event to other parts of New Zealand in future,” Mr Snedden says.

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says after the success of TRENZ 2013, a repeat performance in 2014 will be welcomed.

“Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) really turned it on for Buyers and Exhibitors this year. The feedback I have received from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive for the New Zealand industry and what we are capable of delivering to international visitors,” Mr Bowler says.

“I know that all of our off-shore visitors will be inspired to sell New Zealand after their week here, and will be excited about a return visit to the City of Sails.”

Air New Zealand Deputy Chief Executive Norm Thompson says the feedback from Exhibitors on the business being generated at TRENZ has been incredibly positive.

“Exhibitors are already looking forward to 2014 as TRENZ is a key driver of tourism growth. Air New Zealand looks forward to supporting TRENZ 2014 and the current momentum in tourism arrivals,” Mr Thompson says.

About TRENZ

TIA is organising and managing TRENZ 2013. It brings together around 250 New Zealand tourism operators (Exhibitors) with 290 invited international travel and tourism Buyers plus international and domestic Media. The event directly helps to grow New Zealand’s tourism industry, worth $9.6 billion in foreign exchange annually. Hosted by ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development), TRENZ 2013 is being held on Auckland’s waterfront, 21-24 April.

TRENZ is supported by Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Qantas and other industry partners.

Visit the TRENZ website www.trenz.co.nz