Tourism Summit Aotearoa to look at industry's increasing use of technology

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has advised that its upcoming Tourism Summit Aotearoa is address the how tourism operators are looking to emerging technology and artificial intelligence.

With the theme 'Ready or Not!', the Summit is being held in Wellington on 7th November, organised by Tourism Industry Aotearoa, tourism’s peak industry body.

Explaining that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer just on the horizon, TIA Chief Executive, Rebecca Ingram states "we’re already seeing robots serving in hotels and restaurants, virtual and mixed reality tourism, and new platforms for bookings and operating systems that are developing at an ever-increasing pace.

“To borrow a saying from one of our members, ‘Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.’” 

One of New Zealand tourism’s flagship events, the Summit begins with important insights into the current state of the tourism industry from Ingram, Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran and Tourism New Zealand.

Artificial intelligence will bring both opportunities and impacts for tourism operators, according to keynote speaker, technology futurist Ben Reid.

The Summit will hear more about how businesses are already utilising technologies such as robotics, virtual reality and AI for sustainability, from speakers:

• Les Morgan of Sudima Hotels
• Soraya Sarwary and Sean Mascarenhas of virtual reality firm SkyMotion
• Annie Lewin, Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Head of Asia Pacific at Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org 

Focus sessions will also look at demystifying AI, building a resilient business, navigating our future tourism workforce and trying out new AI-powered carbon calculators. 

Speakers addressing this are:

• Alex Dykman (Maverick Digital)
• Dr Erica Seville and Dr Tracy Hatton (Resilient Organisations)
• Jason Hill (Tourism Talent) 
• Tom Hallam (Carbon Trail) 

The day will wrap with short presentations from:

• Ara Journeys and Tuwhiri on Augmented Reality (Preserving culture, language, and business growth through interactive mobile games) 
• Interislander on its game-changing new ferries   
• PredatorFree 2050 on its world-first AI trap
• Award-winning champion for digital equality, Eteroa Lafele.

The Summit will be followed by the New Zealand Tourism Awards, which celebrate outstanding tourism businesses and individuals, with 13 award winners being announced at the dinner.

The Awards will also see TIA celebrate its 70th anniversary.

TRENZ - New Zealand’s biggest tourism trade show returns in 2024
TIA has also announced that New Zealand’s leading tourism trade show, TRENZ 2024, will be held in Wellington from 8th to 10th May next year. 

Bringing hundreds of international tourism buyers and media to meet with New Zealand tourism operators to network and negotiate business for the coming season, the annual event directly helps grow New Zealand’s tourism industry.

TIA’s Ingram, a passionate Wellingtonian, said she was excited the event was finally coming to her home town, commenting “TRENZ always brings significant economic benefits to its host region but its real value lies in the connections made between our tourism businesses and those who showcase New Zealand to would-be visitors overseas. 

“We also make sure that they get chances to sample as many brilliant aspects of Wellington’s beauty and culture as we can pack in. TRENZ creates wonderful ambassadors for the host city.”

Attending TRENZ allows New Zealand tourism businesses to connect with trade companies from a host of overseas markets. It’s a prime opportunity to promote their products and experiences to Buyers and the media, and to grow their business connections.

How to get involved 
TRENZ is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) as the authorised agent of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, supported by Tourism New Zealand and in partnership with Air New Zealand. 

TIA members receive preferential rates to attend, as well as the profile and credibility associated with belonging to New Zealand's largest tourism association. Registrations to attend TRENZ 2024 are by invitation. 

Organisations selling New Zealand tourism products must meet strict criteria to ensure they are eligible to represent New Zealand tourism to an international audience. Buyers will be coming from all of New Zealand’s major markets and are selected for the high-quality visitors they bring to New Zealand. 

Organised by industry association Tourism Industry Aotearoa, TRENZ 2024 will be held from 8th to 10th May.  

TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram, a passionate Wellingtonian, said she was excited the event was finally coming to her home town. 

“TRENZ always brings significant economic benefits to its host region but its real value lies in the connections made between our tourism businesses and those who showcase New Zealand to would-be visitors overseas.  

“We also make sure that they get chances to sample as many brilliant aspects of Wellington’s beauty and culture as we can pack in. TRENZ creates wonderful ambassadors for the host city.” 

How to get involved
TRENZ is managed by Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) as the authorised agent of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, supported by Tourism New Zealand and in partnership with Air New Zealand.  

TIA members receive preferential rates to attend, as well as the profile and credibility associated with belonging to New Zealand's largest tourism association. Registrations to attend TRENZ 2024 are by invitation.  

Organisations selling New Zealand tourism products must meet strict criteria to ensure they are eligible to represent New Zealand tourism to an international audience. Buyers will be coming from all of New Zealand’s major markets and are selected for the high-quality visitors they bring to New Zealand.  
 
Click here for information on the tourism industry events in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Click here for information on the New Zealand Tourism Awards.

Lower image: Wellington is to host TIA's two major events over the coming seven months.