This Content Is Only For Subscribers
TRENZ 2024 has now come to a close at Wellington’s Takina Convention Centre, marking a significant occasion as the largest business event for New Zealand’s tourism industry, held for the first time in the capital.
The event kicked off with an opening ceremony, Wednesday May 8, attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Michael Fowler Centre.
Speaking on the importance of TRENZ in the tourism landscape, TIA’s chief executive Rebecca Ingram says “TRENZ is a critical step in ensuring New Zealand is competitive and well represented on the world stage, we are delighted that the Prime Minister chose to join us to open this important industry event.”
Throughout the two days, over 15,000 appointments were scheduled between local tourism operators and international buyers from 25 countries, showcasing the event’s massive scale and its critical role in fostering global business relationships. Rebecca highlighted the significance of these interactions, noting, “The conversations these delegates have, and the business conducted, lays the groundwork for years to come.”
The conference’s first day featured a comprehensive media program under the theme of “Transformative Tourism” Keynote speakers included Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, and John Allan, CEO of WellingtonNZ, the latter energised the audience with his presentation on Wellington’s dynamic efforts to boost both local and international tourism.
In addition, attendees had the opportunity to visit Zealandia, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary, where they learned about its 500-year vision to restore local forest and freshwater ecosystems to their pre-human state.
The event also witnessed a planned protest by the group Climate Liberation, targeting what they claim are “greenwashing” and “luxury emissions” practices within the industry. This highlighted the ongoing debates surrounding environmental responsibility in tourism.
To cap things off, TRENZ Media function, Thursday May 9 was held at the stunning Te Marae in Te Papa where delictable feasts were on offer and a handful of key note speakers.
On the second day, the focus shifted to future-oriented strategies in tourism, with Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, discussing advancements towards greener aviation emissions. The day concluded with a panel discussing the rising trend in wellness tourism, featuring several operators from the sector.
Overall, TRENZ 2024 not only generated significant immediate business, with an expected new spending of at least $4 million, but also set the stage for long-term partnerships and strategies that will influence the direction of New Zealand tourism in the years to come.
