TRENZ Crew Arrive in Wanaka Town

World renowned for its spectacular beauty and thrilling activities, the Southern Lakes will be on show to more than 300 influential international travel Buyers and media during TRENZ 2011 (22-25 May), the tourism industry’s premier trade event.

“This is the first time we have held TRENZ in the Southern Lakes, one of New Zealand’s most popular visitor destinations, incorporating Queenstown, Fiordland and Wanaka,” says Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar.

He says the host region has been a real incentive in attracting about 290 Buyers to TRENZ 2011, in excess of pre-earthquake targets.

“As well as the main business activity in the Queenstown Events Centre we are ensuring the international travel Buyers and media will get to experience what makes this a favourite visitor destination.”

TRENZ networking and social events are being held at a variety of locations around Queenstown, including the Skyline and the vintage steamship Earnslaw. All delegates will have an opportunity to try out some of the activities on offer by the region’s TRENZ Exhibitors, ranging from skydiving, bungy jumping and jetboating to a Lord of the Rings tour, wine tasting and golf.

About 50 Southern Lakes tourism operators are exhibiting at TRENZ 2011, amongst them several who are attending the event for the first time.

"We've got more Southern Lakes Exhibitors than we've seen for a number of years - it's great to see local operators embracing the opportunities TRENZ brings to the region," says Southern Lakes Chairman Dave Hawkey.

"It's a win-win situation with the local tourism industry able to put itself in front of many of the world's most influential Buyers and media, and with the buyers and media having the opportunity to really experience one of New Zealand's most popular and diverse visitor destinations."

Eco Wanaka Adventures Director Chris Riley Director says, "Having TRENZ in the Southern Lakes is the perfect opportunity to show international Buyers how many varied activities are available here. Through TRENZ the world's Buyers can also see for themselves what sets Wanaka apart and makes it such a memorable destination."

NZONE General Manager Robynne Williams says, “Hosting TRENZ in Queenstown makes sense, after all we are New Zealand’s top international destination.” She adds TRENZ is a valuable opportunity for the region’s operators to give Buyers a first-hand view of the popular visitor destination.

Thanks to TIANZ for this article.