Auckland to host tourism activity extravaganza

Auckland is set to host more than 500 tourism industry delegates, including travel buyers and media from New Zealand's most important visitor markets, to an afternoon of city activities.

TRENZ, New Zealand's premier tourism trade event, is being held in Auckland from 21st to 24th April where it will focus on New Zealand's $23.4 billion tourism industry bringing together international tourism buyers and 250 of the country's leading tourism operators to negotiate contracts for the coming holiday seasons.

Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ), which organises and manages TRENZ with the support of key tourism industry partners, explains "on Tuesday afternoon (23rd April) more than 500 TRENZ delegates will take a break from their business meetings to discover first-hand the range of activities Auckland has to offer the world's travellers.

"The activity afternoon will show that Auckland has something to offer travellers across the spectrum, from families and affluent visitors from high-growth markets like China to active over-50s and young backpackers.

This time-out from scheduled TRENZ meetings is also an opportunity for delegates to network informally and hopefully discover new business opportunities."

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Manager Tourism Jason Hill says the activity afternoon features 41 different experiences and will open people's eyes to Auckland's diversity, adding "Auckland is a premier visitor destination with a unique combination of a stunning natural playground right on the doorstep of a world-class city.

"The 500 plus participants in the activity afternoon will get a taste of Auckland, with everything from touring the Matakana Coast and wine region, sailing and jet boating on the Waitemata Harbour and exploring the west coast's rainforest and rugged surf beaches, to sailing a traditional Maori waka, riding a zipline on Waiheke Island, a behind the scenes tour of Auckland Zoo and a culinary tour of the city's hot food spots.

"Auckland's tourism product offering has grown considerably in the last few years and we look forward to showcasing both our products and our eclectic region to the influential line-up of international Buyers and media."

TRENZ 2013 will bring together around 250 New Zealand tourism operators (Exhibitors) with 290 invited international tourism buyers plus international and domestic media.

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

For more information go to www.trenz.co.nz

Image: Auckland Zoo seals.

9th August 2012 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM MUST ‘THINK DIFFERENT’: SNEDDEN