Tim Cossar, CEO of Tourism Industry Association has announced that the new event format will move away from the traditional booth set-up and offer even more valuable networking opportunities, similar to a number of high quality marketing events overseas.

Southern Lakes is the next place where TIA has decided to organize TRENZ next year.

Southern Lakes has one of the best developed tourism infrastructure in New Zealand and this will be an unparalleled opportunity for TIA to show off some of the best tourism experiences to the international travel trade.

Moreover, this year the international delegates will also get a chance to experience the Southern Lakes region - including Queenstown, Wanaka and Fiordland - and its many tourism products first hand.

"It's not going to be the same event that you all know, and we're not making an apology for changing it", remarked Cossar

TRENZ has traditionally been held in Auckland, Christchurch or Rotorua as these are the only New Zealand cities with infrastructure large enough to host the event

To adapt itself successfully with the changing environment, New Zealand tourism needed a sustainable relationship with overseas buyers of Kiwi products and a long-term commitment in funding from the Government, Cossar said. In the last two years as TIA Chief Executive he had noticed a sharp move towards last-minute booking by visitors, part of a profound industry change.

Air New Zealand has reported to increase its international capacity by 4.9 per cent from November to March 2011.

TIA is working hard to make TRENZ 2011, a benchmark for future events.