West Coast on show at TRENZ

The event was full of appointments, presentations, activities and networking functions, with local operators showcasing the West Coast and their products and services to hundreds of international buyers from 25 markets.

Toko Kapea from the Pounamu Pathway said it was their first trip to TRENZ and found that as a new product, people were keen to learn more about Pounamu Pathway.

“Definitely a lot of work required both prior and after TRENZ. We have made some successful trade connections immediately and created the relationship for medium/long term commercial relationships. Proud to part of the West Coast collection of businesses.”

Rosie Rogers from Monteith's Brewery said it was their first TRENZ since 2019, and they had reconnected with a huge range of valuable buyers from all over the world.

“They’re very excited about their West Coast itineraries and bringing their guests through to Monteith’s Brewery and Greymouth and the rest of the West Coast. We’re really excited by the opportunities that have been created and certainly confident that we will get a return on our investment.”

From the Maruia Hot Springs, James White said the biggest thing was that their location was no problem for the travel trade.

“People are now ready for our offering and they will make it work for their itineraries.

This is the biggest difference from 2019 where they thought our offering was super awesome but it wasn’t on the mainstream glacier route. Travel agents and travellers are now ready for more immersive wellness activities so that’s great for us and the West Coast.”

Dale Burrows, of Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, said it had been fantastic for developing and maintaining the relationships created over the past two years from attending the event.

“We are getting great feedback from agents when it comes to our products and the offerings including bookings since our post-TRENZ famil that I’ve now booked for later this month.”