The Destination Great Lake Taupo marketing team has been meeting international travel sellers this week at TRENZ. The biggest trade event on the tourism calendar, this meeting in Queenstown puts 280 operators and regional tourism organisations face to face with 308 agents from around the world. In a 15 minute appointment, the challenge is to both sell the destination plus promote the tourism products that will appeal to diverse international visitors – from free independent travellers and backpackers, through to the top end visitors.
Great Lake Taupo is an appealing destination to US and European markets, particularly when it comes to luxury products and out-door activities. World famous for trout fishing, golf and hiking, luxurious 5 star lodges are a welcome retreat after a day of adventuring.
“Our operators are experts at delivering the service standards demanded from high yield clients. Whether it’s a helicopter pick up at Huka Lodge, a guided fly fishing experience at secret fishing spots or a quiet round of golf on a PGA course, they deliver personalised itineraries for the most discerning clients” commented Scott Pearson, General Manager of Destination Great Lake Taupo.
DGLT Trade Sales Executive Maggie Sando selling the Great Lake Taupo region to a new Chinese buyer
Fleur Ashford from family owned Oreti Resort says that proximity to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Whakapapa ski fields has made their 4 star resort an easy sell at TRENZ.
“Austrian, Swiss, English and German visitors come for authentic experiences in the great outdoors. Our location at the southern end of Great Lake Taupo makes us an obvious choice for explorers of the Tongariro National Park. When they return they enjoy a soak in our local thermal hot pools or a signature meal served in our restaurant. They go away happy”.
The chance to see snow, experience a scenic flight over geo-thermal parks and to taste freshly smoked trout are appealing experiences for visitors from emerging markets.
“For our business, TRENZ has been a highly useful event in connecting luxury products with emerging markets”, commented Tim Barrow of Helipro. “There is a growing wealthy population from India, Indonesia and other South East Asian countries that represent a huge opportunity for new customers”.
Tim Barrow and Cushla Clark from Helipro with a potential client
Kathy Guy from Bayview Wairakei Resort and Chateau Tongariro Hotel sees TRENZ as an opportunity to reinforce old relationships and to grow new ones.
“The chance to share holiday snaps from such a distant and foreign destination, plus the contrast that it is from China makes a holiday in Great Lake Taupo highly aspirational for Chinese visitors. They are keen too for their children to be exposed to a new culture and environment”.
So looking ahead to next years’ TRENZ, the consensus from Taupo and Tongariro operators is “we’ll be back” The event has provided the perfect vehicle to re-connect with long standing business partners and to make new friends.
For more information visit www.GreatLakeTaupo.com.
For more media information contact:
Donna Jarden
Marketing Manager
Destination Great Lake Taupo
P: 07 376 0403
E: donna@greatlaketaupo.com
W: www.greatlaketaupo.com
