Central city, Supporting business  |  16 May 2019

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New Zealand’s biggest tourism trade show, TRENZ, will be held in Christchurch next year for the first time in 14 years.

Each year TRENZ brings hundreds of international travel buyers, sellers and media delegates together to meet with New Zealand’s leading tourism operators.

Attendees are hosted for four days and, in addition to the business meetings, take part in a range of activities and events to experience the best tourism offerings from the host region.

TRENZ was held in Christchurch in 2000, 2005 and 2006 but damage from the earthquakes took the Garden City out of the potential hosting role.

“We made a promise some years ago that we would be back in Christchurch when the city was ready to host us,’’ says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) which manages and produces TRENZ.

“TRENZ will put a spotlight on a region that needs New Zealand’s support as it continues to grow, and the event’s economic benefits will provide a huge boost to accommodation, food and beverage and entertainment providers in the city,’’

Loren Heaphy, General Manager of Destination and Attraction at ChristchurchNZ, says that hosting TRENZ 2020 is a welcome opportunity for the region.

“Promoting our city and our region, and attracting visitors to Christchurch, is one of ChristchurchNZ’s main focuses and we can’t wait for the opportunities associated with having TRENZ 2020 in Christchurch,’’ Ms Heaphy says.

TRENZ 2020 will be held at Horncastle Arena from 18 to 21 May 2020.