AusLeisure

Auckland will host hundreds of influential international tourism representatives next week to an afternoon of exciting activities, ranging from a face to face encounter with a shark to an afternoon of decadence at a local hotel.

The tourism representatives will be in Auckland as part of TRENZ, the $35 billion tourism industry’s most important international trade show, being held from 9th to 11th May.

Emily Byrne, Director of Events at Tourism Industry Aotearoa which manages TRENZ, comments “almost 500 TRENZ delegates will take a break from their business meetings on Thursday afternoon, 11th May, to discover first-hand some of the world-class activities on offer in Auckland.

“Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development has put together a fantastic Activity Afternoon programme featuring almost 30 activities and attractions including adventure, eco-tourism, cultural and food and beverage experiences. It showcases why the Auckland region is one of New Zealand’s most popular visitor destinations.”

TRENZ 2017 will be attended by 1200 delegates, including 377 international and New Zealand tourism and travel Buyers, representatives from around 300 of the country’s leading tourism operators and international and domestic media.

Byrne says this time away from scheduled TRENZ meetings is also an opportunity for delegates to network informally, make new contacts and potentially identify new business opportunities. 

ATEED Head of Tourism Jason Hill says Auckland is looking forward to giving Buyers, Sellers and Media attending TRENZ a first-hand experience of what the region offers, with an unforgettable programme of diverse activities and experiences lined up for their activity afternoon. 

Hill explains “bring the host region for TRENZ is a valuable opportunity and comes at a great time for our region, with Auckland experiencing huge growth in visitor numbers. 

“Auckland benefits from the immediate economic impacts of having the people attending TRENZ staying in accommodation, eating in restaurants and experiencing some of Auckland’s tourism activities, all of which injects an estimated $2 million into the local economy. 

“It also helps leave a lasting impression on the Buyers who visit and secures Auckland’s place on future itineraries,” he says.

New products at TRENZ 2017
A world first extreme adventure activity, operators taking visitors off the beaten track and an upscale hotel returning to Christchurch are among the new tourism products that will be on show at TRENZ 2017.

Top Trail Hire & Tours will be promoting its new Ultimate Coast to Coast cycle package to TRENZ Buyers, working to build relationships and expand international visitor demand for a product that can be enjoyed year round.

Top Trail Hire & Tours Manager Ray Clarke explains “this product is also taking international visitors to small New Zealand towns that don’t usually experience that sort of quality tourism. It’s giving those communities a boost and we can already see business growth in accommodation, food suppliers and cafes supporting the cycle trail.”

Adventure tourism pioneers AJ Hackett Bungy will be meeting with TRENZ Buyers about their ‘world first’ extreme experience at the company’s Nevis site in Queenstown. 

Under development with the help of a $500,000 grant from the Government’s Tourism Growth Partnership Fund, the new experience will combine height, speed and flight and promises to push thrill seekers to the limit.

AJ Hackett Bungy Sales & Business Development Manager Kathleen Magon explains “we hope that TRENZ will help generate excitement and anticipation for our new product, as well as spotlight our existing range of soft and extreme adventure activities.”

IHG will be talking to TRENZ Buyers about the return of Crowne Plaza to Christchurch, the first major hotel to open in Christchurch in several years.

Due to open mid-year, the 4.5 star, 204-room hotel is situated opposite the former Crowne Plaza site, which was demolished following the 2011 earthquakes.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Roberts says the new products that will be on show at TRENZ 2017 highlight the significant investment being made in New Zealand’s $35 billion tourism industry.

Roberts concludes “it’s vital the industry continues to develop new and exciting products if we are to achieve our Tourism 2025 aspirational goal of $41 billion in annual revenue.”

About TRENZ 
TRENZ brings together about 300 New Zealand tourism operators (sSellers) with targeted international travel and tourism Buyers and Media from New Zealand’s key established and emerging tourism markets. The event directly helps to grow New Zealand’s $34.7 billion tourism industry. 

Hosted by Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED), TRENZ 2017 is being held at The Cloud and Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland.

Click here for event details in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images (from top): Emily Byrne, Top Trail Hire & Tours and AJ Hackett Bungy

1st May 2017 - LEADING SPORTS PERFORMANCE INNOVATIONS ON SHOW AT AUCKLAND FORUM

31st March 2017 - INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BUYERS LOOK FORWARD TO TRENZ 2017

31st January 2017 - TOURISM INDUSTRY AIMS TO MAINTAIN RECORD GROWTH

31st October 2016 - NEW SELLER PACKAGES FOR TRENZ 2017 

16th September 2016 - TOURISM GROWTH UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

3rd August 2016 - NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT BACKS AJ HACKETT BUNGY’S NEW QUEENSTOWN ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE

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