TRENZ a success for Bay

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Tim Burgess has returned from TRENZ in Auckland last week, tired, but happy.
The event is the largest travel expo held each year in New Zealand where people from the industry gather to sell and promote their regions and products to overseas buyers, such as travel agents.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Tim Burgess says TRENZ 2010 was a successful event for the region.

Tim says this TRENZ was a worthwhile one.
"It was a little bit quieter there this year, but the quality of buyer was excellent," says Tim.
Tourism promotion agencies have 52 appointment slots to fill at the event and this year Tourism Bay of Plenty made 51 appointments - an indicator of the industry's awareness of the area, says Tim.
"There is starting to be some real interest in the region.
"Five years ago they did not know where we were, but now they do."
A touted feature of this year's event was a business speed dating circuit, which gave buyers and stall holders very short bursts with each other. Tim was not a fan of this.
"It was not necessarily good for us. It needs some fine tuning.
"They took some feedback forms and it will be interesting to see what happens next time."
The event will be held in Queenstown next year - a move Tim is less keen on owing to cost.
"It's good being able to throw some stuff in the car and drive."