TRENZ transforms for international visitor revival

New Zealand’s biggest annual international tourism business event has a new name and a new format to support tourism operators in preparing for the reopening of the country's borders.

To be held in Christchurch on 5th and 6th May, TRENZ Hui 2021 will offer a completely new programme based on three themes: Revive - Reconnect - Revitalise.

To ensure cost is not a barrier to attendance, basic registration is completely free to one representative from eligible New Zealand tourism businesses, including inbound tour operators, made possible through support from the New Zealand Government’s Regional Events Fund.

Additional delegates will pay a registration fee and all applicants will have to meet selection criteria to qualify to attend.

Traditionally, TRENZ attracts hundreds of international travel buyers to meet with New Zealand’s leading tourism operators, to build or renew relationships and negotiate business deals for the coming seasons.

With New Zealand’s borders closed and international buyers unable to attend, the 2021 event will focus on the New Zealand tourism industry working together to prepare for the return of our international visitors, and the challenges and opportunities that will be involved.

Internationally renowned facilitators will use Design Thinking tools to help delegates come up with innovative solutions to the big real-world issues we will face when the borders reopen.

Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, which manages and produces TRENZ on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust, explains "we carried out extensive research with the New Zealand tourism industry, international buyers and other stakeholders, to determine how best to deliver TRENZ in 2021. We have some exciting digital plans but there is still a strong demand to gather in person.

“We are putting on an event in Christchurch that is focused on how our international tourism sector can make the fastest possible recovery. This will be our industry’s opportunity to work together on a way forward.”

In parallel with TRENZ Hui 2021, work is underway to reconnect with the international travel trade via an interactive online platform that will enable New Zealand tourism operators to maintain relationships with international buyers. It will be ‘always on’, providing up-to-date information on New Zealand’s tourism products. The new platform will be available after the May event.

Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction, added "we are excited to welcome New Zealand’s tourism industry to Ōtautahi Christchurch, especially as we were due to host TRENZ in 2020. This event is an amazing opportunity to come together in our revitalised city and discuss the opportunities ahead for our sector.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch has gone through huge changes and overcome significant challenges in recent years, and we’re excited to show the country what we’ve been working on.”

Registrations for TRENZ Hui 2021 will open on Thursday 18th March.

Click here for details of TRENZ Hui 2021 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.