TRENZ 2026 lands in Auckland; travel buyers from dozens of countries attend

Tourism professionals from across New Zealand – and around the globe – have arrived in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the 32nd edition of TRENZ.

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event, TRENZ plays a key role in connecting tourism operators with international buyers; showcasing some of the best visitor experiences the country has to offer, to entice more people to visit.

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In addition to the trade show, delegates can attend appointments, presentations and networking functions and buyers can visit a variety of Auckland’s top visitor experiences.

Approximately 1,200 delegates will attend TRENZ over 2.5 days at Auckland’s New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), with over 379 travel buyers from 27 countries registered.

They will meet with 315 of New Zealand’s top tourism operators from a range of sectors, including accommodation, transport, adventure and activities, as well as New Zealand cultural, natural and wellness experiences.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram said that TRENZ is Aotearoa New Zealand’s connection to the global tourism trade industry.

“TRENZ is the platform that elevates our tourism industry to the world, ensuring that New Zealand is competitive and well represented on the global tourism stage.”

“This year’s event will go down as one of the largest and most innovative TRENZ events on record.

“We have more buyers this year than any time since 2019; they will attend over 16,000 meetings over the course of TRENZ, creating millions of dollars of new business for the industry.

“TRENZ is also expected to generate at least $3 million of new spend in Auckland this week.

“The tourism operators attending are diverse and broadly representative of the unique experiences that New Zealand can offer to international travellers; everyone from jet boat operators, luxury hotels, wineries and bungy jumping to nature tours and wellness retreats.”

The theme for TRENZ 2026 is Whakapiki (advancement) and elevating Aotearoa New Zealand tourism to the world.

Ms Ingram said that in the spirit of Whakapiki, two new TRENZ innovations this year will further enhance New Zealand’s global reach and visibility.

“Alongside the trade show itself, a new addition for TRENZ this year is the International Media Marketplace (IMM), which brings 30 international and local media together with 35 New Zealand tourism businesses and regional tourism organisations.

“Outlets like Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC Travel and more are here to secure high-profile, valuable content and media coverage for New Zealand overseas.

“And the VIP Summit will bring six senior global trade and distribution leaders into the heart of TRENZ. The conversations that happen there will be useful well beyond the event itself.”