TRENZ Connect, the new digital marketplace for the international travel trade to connect with international market-ready New Zealand tourism operators, has launched.
TRENZ Connect would allow eligible New Zealand tourism operators to showcase their business and products to a wide audience of international buyers, both those who have traditionally attended TRENZ and many more who have not. Businesses using the platform would need to meet TRENZ selection criteria.
The new platform would allow the international travel trade to access the details of New Zealand tourism businesses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of time zone.
"Traditional trade shows like TRENZ still have a place as nothing beats face-to-face interaction. But the pandemic has taught us that digital platforms are also a valuable way for people to connect when they are unable to travel," Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said.
TIA would manage TRENZ Connect on behalf of the Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust in collaboration with Tourism New Zealand.
“We are continuing to work with Tourism New Zealand to get more buyers listed – both those who have attended TRENZ in the past and others who have not previously travelled to New Zealand,” Roberts said.
While it is uncertain when New Zealand's borders would reopen to international visitors, it is important to keep nurturing key contacts around the globe so business can resume as quickly as possible.
Additional New Zealand tourism operators and buys would continue to be listed on TRENZ Connect as they register on the platform.
Virtual market events with one-on-one appointments would take place at an appropriate time, said Roberts. Businesses would need to register on the platform to participate in the events.
