Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 10, 2023
New Zealand’s most significant international business-to-business travel and trade event – TRENZ – is underway in Ōtautahi Christchurch following a formal welcome for delegates from Ngai Tūāhuriri this week.
About the event
During four days of appointments, presentations, activities and networking functions for 1500 delegates, over 300 New Zealand tourism businesses are showcasing their products and services to more than 330 high-quality international Buyers from 25 International markets.
The high-quality Buyers are here to reacquaint themselves with what New Zealand has to offer and purchase accommodation, transport and activities to include in brochures, websites and itineraries for the coming international holiday seasons.
“How special is it that we get to spend the next few days renewing existing relationships, discovering new ones, and doing lots of quality business for New Zealand,” TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said at the opening function for TRENZ.
“Hosting TRENZ is another fabulous milestone for our city, and we are excited to be showcasing one of the world’s newest cities to you,” said Ali Adams, the CEO of host city agency Christchurch NZ.
“The theme underpinning TRENZ 2023 is tūhura, meaning discover, bring to light, unearth, open up, explore, investigate – which is what travel is about. Every visitor embarks on their own journey of discovery unearthing their New Zealand and making memories that shape them forever,” Ms Ingram said.
“TRENZ plays an important role in the recovery of New Zealand’s valuable tourism industry, it ensures that New Zealand is well positioned on a world stage,” she said.
About the organisers
TRENZ is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust. The event benefits from the strong support of its Premier Sponsor Air New Zealand and Official Supporter Tourism New Zealand, as well as a range of prestigious event partners that make TRENZ possible. TIA is the peak body for the tourism industry in Aotearoa New Zealand and has held this position for 70 years. It is the only independent association that represents all sectors of New Zealand’s large and diverse tourism industry. With more than 1300 member businesses from across the industry, ranging from small owners/operators to large publicly listed tourism corporates and international hotel chains, TIA is deeply involved in discussions on recovery and what the future of tourism in New Zealand will look like.
TIA also leads the implementation of the industry’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment, which aims to see every New Zealand tourism business contributing positively to our people and cultures, our environment and our economy
TIA delivers a comprehensive and diverse range of industry events including TRENZ, New Zealand Tourism Awards, Discussing Tourism regional events and the Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
The way forward
TRENZ in Ōtautahi Christchurch is building momentum for the tourism industry after a first summer of recovery but it will take 2-3 years before it settles into a new normal pattern.
That was the message TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram gave during a presentation at TRENZ.
“Tourism is a vital contributor to New Zealand’s economic and social well-being, generating wealth and supporting jobs in communities around the country. It is one of our significant export earners and has the potential to contribute more as the recovery continues,” Ms Ingram said.
“Tourism is connected to so many parts of our economy and communities. The return of international visitors has made a difference to many New Zealanders. It has breathed life into our cities and regions and enables tourism businesses to step back on the front foot, but the level of tourism recovery varies by region and business. It has been a good first summer for many and new ways of operating that were developed during COVID are now baked in with productivity gains and new products, or different products proving popular.”
She further emphasised the opportunities that came as a silver lining due to COVID restrictions around the globe and said, “The DNA of the industry is forever changed as a result of the last three years and New Zealand is uniquely well positioned to deliver a new generation of tourism. Tourism for good, tourism with net positive impact.”
“To quote a recent Informetric report, “Tourism is a crown jewel in New Zealand’s economy, fortifying various industries, including retail trade, accommodation, and recreation services. TRENZ is an important part of making that happen,” Ms Ingram said.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
