Queenstown welcomes the world of tourism for the second consecutive year when the premier travel trade fair Trenz opens socially tonight and gets down to business tomorrow.

More than 1000 international travel buyers, New Zealand exhibitors, domestic and international media, sponsors and VIPs, including Prime Minister John Key, will attend the Tourism Industry Association-managed expo in the Queenstown Events Centre until Thursday.

Exhibitors from the Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland will look to capitalise on having travel buyers and journalists from 31 countries on their doorstep during the upcoming days of 15-minute appointments, networking and social functions and familiarisation trips.

Appointments with buyers from the emerging visitor markets of China, India, and Indonesia will be especially sought after among exhibitors.

New Zealand tourism operators who exhibited at last year’s Trenz told the association their attendance delivered $164 million of new business over the following 12 monthsTrenz was expected to pump more than $1.5 million directly into Queenstown and Southern Lakes businesses this week.

Destination Queenstown chairman Mark Quickfall said last week the community was looking forward to welcoming Trenz visitors and showcasing what the resort had to offer.

“To have some of the world’s most influential travel buyers and media visit our region and experience it first-hand is fantastic, but to also be able to host activity afternoons and showcase the diversity of our scenery and experiences is an invaluable opportunity.”

More than 500 buyers, media and exhibitors will have the chance to enjoy a range of experiences, from jet boating, skydiving and 4WD driving to scenic flights, wine tours and a ride on the Kingston Flyer steam train.

Media delegates will have the opportunity to try some of Queenstown’s new experiences on Thursday afternoon, including You vs Wild and Art Adventures, then write about them for their readers all around the world.

Travel buyers and media also get the chance to experience the best of Wanaka and Fiordland on hosted visits before and after the expo.

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