TRENZ 2025 in Rotorua Draws Global Tourism Leaders to New Zealand’s Premier Travel Trade Event

By Tanveer Ahmed :

The Tourism Industry Aotearoa‑organized TRENZ 2025, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event, took place from 6–8 May 2025 at the Energy Events Centre, bringing together tourism operators, international travel buyers, media, and industry professionals from around the world. The high‑impact event reaffirmed New Zealand’s global tourism connections and provided a vital platform for business development, collaboration, and destination promotion.

A Hub for Global Tourism Business

TRENZ 2025 attracted around 1,200 delegates, including over 340 international travel buyers from more than 26 countries, alongside dozens of domestic buyers and sellers. The event enabled structured business meetings, networking sessions, and product showcases designed to help tourism operators forge new partnerships and strengthen market access overseas.

Delegates engaged in thousands of pre‑scheduled buyer‑seller meetings across a wide array of tourism sectors from accommodation and transport providers to adventure operators, cultural experience hosts, and eco‑tourism attractions. Organisers estimate that the event generated significant business opportunities both during the show and for future travel seasons.

Showcasing New Zealand’s Unique Experiences

Rotorua’s rich cultural landscape and geothermal attractions provided a fitting backdrop for TRENZ 2025. The event opened with a series of welcome functions emphasising Māori culture, hospitality, and local storytelling, underscoring New Zealand’s distinctive visitor experiences.

Industry leaders highlighted the importance of personal interaction in securing long‑term business opportunities. Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, noted that TRENZ plays a “key role in keeping New Zealand front of mind for global buyers” and in converting New Zealand’s reputation for quality experiences into concrete tourism products sold internationally.

Regional Impact and Economic Value

The event provided major exposure for participating regions beyond Rotorua itself. Delegations from areas such as Taupō and Manawatū reported strong buyer interest and productive meetings that are expected to translate into future visitation and revenue growth. In Taupō’s case, regional operators held more than 650 meetings with international buyers, with projected economic benefits estimated at millions of dollars.

Local tourism organisations also hosted familiarisation trips that took travel buyers into regional destinations, offering intimate insights into New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and experiences. These immersive visits are helping travel sellers better understand and market regional offerings to international clients.

Supporting the Next Generation and Industry Innovation

TRENZ 2025 also incorporated opportunities for students and emerging professionals to participate in the industry. Strategic initiatives like the TRENZ Student Ambassador programme invited tourism students to assist with the event’s operations and connect with industry leaders, giving them invaluable experience in a major global trade environment.

Beyond business meetings, the programme included forums such as TRENZ Talks, where experts discussed industry trends, sustainable tourism practices, digital transformation, and strategies for enhancing New Zealand’s global competitiveness.

Sustainable Growth and Future Outlook

Tourism Industry Aotearoa emphasised that TRENZ is essential not only for immediate trade outcomes but also for long‑term destination development. The event’s matchmaking and networking activities help build resilience into New Zealand’s tourism economy by diversifying market connections and reinforcing partnerships that extend well beyond the three‑day event.

Looking ahead, TRENZ will move to Auckland for its 2026 edition, with plans for expanded programming and continued engagement with international buyers.

A Strategic Platform for Global Engagement

TRENZ 2025 solidified its reputation as a strategic cornerstone in New Zealand’s tourism calendar a dynamic marketplace where destination storytellers, travel buyers, and thought leaders converge to shape the future of international travel to Aotearoa. With its strong mix of business outcomes, cultural immersion, and professional development, the event continues to drive both economic and experiential value for New Zealand’s tourism communities.

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