New Zealand shows off to world at TRENZ

New Zealand’s tourism industry will be on show to the world next week at TRENZ - Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand - in the southern resort town of Queenstown.

And for those who can’t make it to Queenstown, Canadian tourism bloggers Ruth Atherley and Paul Holman will be there to tell the rest of the world about what’s new and exciting in New Zealand.

Trenzblog.com is already live as Atherley and Holman visit several New Zealand regions on their way to TRENZ.

Tourism and hospitality 

More than 300 international tourism buyers and media will be in Queenstown for TRENZ - New Zealand’s premier tourism and hospitality trade show - from 22 - 25 May.

It is the first time Queenstown has hosted the event, and many media and buyers will take the opportunity to experience some of the adventure capital’s top tourism products.

TRENZ is organised by New Zealand’s Tourism Industry Association (TIA).

TRENZ blog 

The TRENZ blog is a response to demand for information on new products and services from New Zealand’s tourism operators - especially from tourism industry professionals who are unable to make it down to Queenstown.

Now in its third year, the interactive blog offers travel media, agents and tour operators an online news source revealing new and exciting developments in New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Blog editors Ruth Atherley and Paul Holman are currently reporting on several key tourism destinations in New Zealand, including: Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Taupo, Hawkes Bay - Napier, and Queenstown.

TRENZblog will be updated several times a day from the trade show with product news, and interviews with travel professionals, and tourism leaders. There will also be regular Twitter updates.

Blog readers are invited to comment, ask questions and request specific interviews with TRENZ exhibitors of interest.

Golden opportunity 

With many international travel buyers registered to attend, TRENZ 2011 offered a "golden opportunity" to Kiwi tourism businesses looking to showcase their products and services, said Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler.

The premier travel trade event will give local tourism operators a chance to network and do business with influential buyers from New Zealand’s key markets, including Australia, China, Japan, UK and USA.

Applications for this year's event have been strong, with event organisers TIA announcing a higher-than-expected turnout of more than 290 travel buyers and 280 exhibitors.

"The high level of interest is particularly pleasing given the tough period many operators have been through," Bowler said.

"This event, held in beautiful Queenstown, offers a golden opportunity for New Zealand businesses to drum up new business and for overseas buyers to see the vast array of memorable and popular experiences New Zealand has to offer."

In total, more than 900 delegates are scheduled to attend TRENZ 2011, including a strong contingent of international and domestic media.

Tourism New Zealand is a major sponsor and supporter of the event, alongside industry partners including Air New Zealand and Qantas.