Tourism industry leaders, buyers and media from around the world gathered in Auckland on May 19 as TRENZ 2026 got under way at the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), marking the event’s return to Auckland for the first time since 2017.
More than 1,200 delegates are attending the 32nd edition of New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event, including 379 buyers from 27 countries who will take part in more than 16,000 meetings with 315 tourism operators over the next 2.5 days.
Key visitor markets from Asia represented at the event include China, Japan, South Korea and India, with 138 buyers from China and the rest of Asia accounting for around 36 per cent of all international buyers.
Hosted by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited alongside industry partners, this year’s event is projected to inject more than NZ$3 million (US$1.8 million) into Auckland’s economy while serving as a platform to drive future international visitation.
“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,” said Rebecca Ingram, chief executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa.
“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, creating millions of dollars of new business for the industry,” she added.
Auckland’s revitalisation and expanding tourism infrastructure were key themes during the opening, with delegates encouraged to experience a city that has undergone significant transformation over the past decade.
“It’s fantastic to welcome TRENZ back to Auckland for the first time since 2017 and to showcase a city and region that has evolved significantly,” said Nick Hill, chief executive of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“There’s fresh energy across the city, from transformed waterfront spaces and new accommodation to major infrastructure like the NZICC.”
Ahead of the opening, Auckland also unveiled a 450m² Tiaki Promise mural beside the convention centre as a symbolic welcome to international delegates. Developed in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Tiaki partners, the permanent artwork reflects themes of guardianship, cultural respect and sustainable tourism.
The event also introduced two new initiatives this year: the International Media Marketplace, which brings international journalists together with tourism businesses through pre-scheduled appointments, and a VIP Summit involving senior global distribution and trade leaders.
More than 340 buyers also participated in fam programmes across Auckland, including Waiheke Island, Matakana and the city’s west coast, as organisers sought to position Auckland as a destination in its own right rather than simply a gateway to other regions.
