Lucrative Trenz event returning

Steve Chadwick is excited the even is coming.

Rotorua is set to reap the benefits of hosting the nation's largest tourism trade event when Trenz returns to the region in May next year.

Prime Minister John Key announced yesterday the right to host Trenz, which will be held in the Energy Events Centre between May 17 and 20, was won by a Rotorua-led central North Island collective known as Explore Central North Island.

The collective represents eight regions - Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Eastland, Hawke's Bay, Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton/Waikato.

Trenz brings together about 260 New Zealand tourism operators with targeted international travel and tourism buyers. More than 1000 people attended Trenz in Auckland this week. It was last held in Rotorua in 2008.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said she was thrilled to have the event back in the home of New Zealand tourism.

"This is a marvellous opportunity to showcase and host in our district, which is really on the move and building on the growing energy and partnerships of our region. It's more profound than we think. It has given new heart to tourism in Rotorua, and will get the industry really focused for next year."

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chairman Grant Lilly said Trenz created significant economic benefit for the host region each year, with more than 1000 people in the city for the four-day event.

He said delegates stayed with local accommodation providers and had opportunities to visit local cafes, bars, restaurants and shops when they had free time.

The association estimated $2.34million would be spent in the region by delegates and event organisers, including more than 6000 hotel room nights. About 40 product familiarisation tours would take place in one afternoon, offering priceless exposure for local tourism operators.

Destination Rotorua Marketing general manager Oscar Nathan said winning the Trenz bid was a coup for the central North Island and Rotorua. "We put forward a really competitive bid, working with our local industry and partnering with Explore Central North Island, and are proud to be named as the hosts for 2015," he said.

Associate Tourism Minister and Rotorua MP Todd McClay said it had been a tight race and he had travelled to Auckland on Monday to drum up some last-minute support for Rotorua.

"Tourism is worth $500million to Rotorua's economy and is our city's largest employer. We've got a lot to offer and hosting Trenz is another opportunity to showcase what we can do here," he said.