Conference good for tourism: attendees

BY SHANE COWLISHAW

For some it's the first time; others are seasoned veterans.

But if there is one thing Queenstown tourism operators at the Trenz tourism conference in Auckland can agree on, it is that it is good for business to be there.

With 252 exhibitors and even more buyers floating around, not to mention the national and international media, it is easy to be overwhelmed at New Zealand's largest tourism conference.

There are 21 exhibitors from Queenstown in attendance at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

Many are old hands, having attended for several years, but for a couple it is the first year on the big stage to show off their new products.

Ziptrek Ecotours is one of the newbies, having opened for business in the trees above Queenstown in December.

Director Shaun Yeo said despite the high cost of attending, it was an easy choice to sign up. With a unique product (flying through the trees on a zipline) it had been a simple sell to foreign buyers, he said.

The networking opportunities had been great, with groups from China showing particular interest, he said.

Remarkables Lodge co-owner Brian Savage is in his sixth year at Trenz and said after a successful morning he would be back again next time. It cost about $10,000 to attend the event and every year he wondered if he should come back, but he always did, he said.

The conference, which has been held in Auckland for the past two years and Rotorua and Christchurch before that, could be heading closer to home next year.

While an official announcement will not be made until tomorrow, The Southland Times understands Trenz is likely to be held in Queenstown next year, with Coronet Peak a possible location.

Both Mr Yeo and Mr Savage said the event would be a great boon for the resort if it did move down.

The Tourism Industry Association, which runs the Trenz event, declined to comment.

WHAT IS TRENZ?

New Zealand's largest international tourism business event, featuring the country's leading providers of visitor accommodation, transport, activities and attractions.

Buyers from New Zealand's main and emerging visitor markets also attend to buy accommodation, transport and activities at wholesale rates for the upcoming season.

Domestic and international media also attend.

- © Fairfax NZ News