Hawke's Bay tourism operators shine at international expo

An 11-strong contingent of Hawke's Bay tourism operators went to the Dunedin travel expo. Photo / Supplied

Some of Hawke's Bay's top tourism operators have recently been pitching the region's benefits to a host of international tourism buyers at the nation's biggest international travel expo.

A total of 11 tourism businesses and entities from Hawke's Bay jointly promoted their independent businesses and attractions as well as positioning the Hawke's Bay region as a place to visit at the annual Trenz (Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand) tourism expo in Dunedin, which finished on Thursday.

Hawke's Bay Tourism General Manager Annie Dundas said this year Hawke's Bay fielded its biggest contingent ever.

"Trenz is where we get to put Hawke's Bay in front of key international buyers and inbound tourism operators.

"It is superb to have such a large contingent of operators attend this event. It shows buyers the depth of product the region has available and particularly at a time when tourism is performing so well – we want to ensure we get our share of the tourism dollar."

The Hawke's Bay contingent led by Hawke's Bay Tourism included Gannet Beach Adventures, the Art Deco Trust, Odyssey New Zealand, Kanuka Cliffs, and Napier City Council Attractions made up of the MTG, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, and Kennedy Park.

Three new operators to Trenz in 2018 are Napier City Bike Hire, Prinsys Tours and Craggy Range Winery.

Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, which organises and manages TRENZ said this year the expo attracted 387 buyers from 27 markets, which ranged from traditional visitor markets like Australia, the USA, UK and Japan to newer, emerging visitor markets, such as Brazil and the Philippines.

"These buyers are the big behind-the-scenes players who shape how international visitors experience New Zealand. Over the next three days, they will hold more than 16,500 15-minute meetings with the tourism operators, which will result in tens of millions of dollars' worth of new business for the country's tourism industry."