Southern Lakes, Otago and New Zealand tourism operators from all sectors across the industry will hold almost 13,500 meetings with 308 invited travel buyers from 30 markets from across the globe, until Thursday for the second consecutive year in Queenstown.
Queenstown Airport was the scene of the Southern Lakes welcome function last night.
Functions will be held in the Queenstown Events Centre and throughout Queenstown for delegates to network informally and to showcase the resort and sample the best New Zealand food and beverages, Tourism Industry Association spokeswoman Ann-Marie Johnson said.
Destination Queenstown marketing manager Graham Budd said he and staff at the DQ booth were feeling "very positive".
Arrivals had been greeted by perfect weather.
Discover Arrowtown made its Trenz debut this year courtesy of the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association and was buoyed by events this year commemorating the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold.
Association chairman Aidan May said Arrowtown was the cultural and historical heart of the Southern Lakes and its active and passive tourism attractions complemented activities in the district.
Lake Wanaka Tourism will host 80 travel buyers and media over the week in a programme which involved familiarisation trips before and after Trenz.
Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore said compared to last year, "the quality of the attendees such as senior management from international travel agents has improved and we are seeing good growth from emerging markets such as Malaysia, Singapore and China, which are becoming increasingly important to tourism in New Zealand, as well as locally in Wanaka."
After a series of guest speakers and visits by VIPs, including Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key, the farewell function will be held at Steamer Wharf on Thursday night across eight restaurants and bars and the vintage steamer Earnslaw, Ms Johnson said.
"When they return home we want these buyers and media to inspire consumers in their own country to make New Zealand a must visit destination now."
