Tourism gets taste of culture (+ video)

Trenz delegates were met with the wero (challenge) during the pohiri at Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute

Rotorua culture and hospitality was on full display at the opening of Trenz 2015.

The biggest annual showcase for the New Zealand tourism industry kicked off last night with a pohiri at Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute welcoming about 1000 delegates who will take part in the trade show, which runs until Wednesday.

Trenz, which will be held at Rotorua Energy Events Centre, is the $24billion New Zealand tourism industry's premium international trade event.

Te Arawa representatives in front of Rotowhio Marae as up to 1000 delegates attend the pohiri.

It brings together hundreds of international tourism and travel buyers to negotiate new business deals with several hundred leading New Zealand tourism operators.

Te Puia chief executive Tim Cossar said it was a great opportunity to host the opening event.

"I think we're just really honoured to be that place. Bringing a whole lot of iwi together from the central North Island to welcome delegates, it's a really important moment," he said.

Te Arawa representatives in front of Rotowhio Marae as up to 1000 delegates attend the pohiri.

Mr Cossar said last night was a chance to show international delegates who and what they were.

"Not only for Te Puia but for Rotorua in general. [Trenz] is always a neat time to reconnect with people. But for me it's about Rotorua people collaborating for Rotorua to continue our bright tourism future."

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick was among the officials welcoming the delegates. "It's incredibly exciting and such a big opportunity for us. It couldn't have been held at a better space.

"You get that vibe when you walk in and you hear that conch shell [calling to delegates], it's showing our strong and unique culture. It's very exciting."

Destination Rotorua general manager Oscar Nathan said there was a buzz around town.

Thirty-four local tourism operators will attend.

Visitors arrived at Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Craft Institute to the traditional call to come together.

"Operators are excited their industry here is on show and we have a record number of international buyers this year, which shows buyers still want to come to destinations like Rotorua and we look forward to a really busy and successful week."