Rotorua to host Trenz 2015

Trenz conference at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre in 2007. FILE

Influential international travel and tourism buyers will 'Explore Central North Island' in 2015 when Trenz returns to Rotorua.

The rights to host New Zealand tourism's biggest annual international business event have been won by Explore Central North Island, a collective representing eight regions - the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Eastland, Hawke's Bay, Ruapehu, Lake Taupo, Rotorua and Hamilton & Waikato.

Trenz 2015 will take place May 17-20 at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre. Trenz was last held in Rotorua in 2008.

"We are excited to be bringing Trenz back to Rotorua. With the strong support from the surrounding central North Island regions, we will be able to showcase some of New Zealand's most exceptional tourism experiences to our international guests," Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) chairman Grant Lilly said.

Mr 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. Delegates stay with local accommodation providers and have opportunities to visit local cafes, bars, restaurants and shops when they have free time from Trenz.

Kevin Bowler, chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, believes having the event return to Rotorua in 2015 is a great decision that will lead to an unforgettable experience for buyers and exhibitors.

"It's worth remembering that Rotorua was the birthplace of tourism in New Zealand, with the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts established there in 1901.

"Today, the region remains intrinsically linked to our unique tourism offering.

"With Trenz incorporating local activities into the schedule for delegates they will have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of New Zealand's unique history, our Maori culture, geothermal areas and of course nearby Hobbiton. I'm sure this will enhance buyers' knowledge and enthusiasm for the region and New Zealand as a whole."

"In conjunction with the Explore Central North Island group, the TIA team will be exploring innovations for the Trenz 2015 programme to take full advantage of the opportunities on offer," Mr Lilly said.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said this was a marvellous opportunity to showcase and host in our district which was really on the move and building on the growing energy and partnerships of our region.

"Having Trenz hosted in Rotorua really adds value to our vision of growing tourism and seeking economic development opportunities through spa development and attracting major events for the region. Well done to our team of movers and shakers for their passion and commitment to getting this across the line. I'm very much looking forward to hosting Trenz 2015."

Explore Central North Island (ECNI) chairwoman Kiri Goulter said: "We are delighted with the announcement that Trenz 2015 is returning to the central north island. ECNI has been working as a collective for over 10 years to promote the unique and diverse range of experiences across our regions and this is a fantastic opportunity to share our distinctiveness with the global travel and tourism industry."

Today's announcement came on the final day of Trenz 2014, which has been taking place this week on Auckland's waterfront, in The Cloud and Shed 10.

"Auckland, led by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) really turned it on for Trenz buyers and exhibitors this year. We look forward to the Explore Central North Island group supporting us to stage an equally excellent event next year," Mr Lilly said.