This month Queenstown hosts Trenz (Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand), the largest annual international trade event on the New Zealand tourism industry calendar.
This event has previously been held in Auckland, Christchurch or Rotorua, and getting it to Queenstown is a real coup for the local tourism industry.
Our town will be on show to the world from May 22 to 25, with more than 280 influential, international travel buyers from New Zealand's most important visitor markets arriving to experience what we have to offer - what a fantastic opportunity.
In these challenging times, with world events continually redirecting our marketing plans, are we ready?
This is an opportunity that I urge you to grab with both hands.
Are all your staff aware of Trenz? Are all your suppliers conscious of your needs over this period?
During their time in Queenstown, the 900 Trenz delegates will be experiencing our hotels, activities, attractions, retailers, restaurants, bars, transport suppliers and all our other hidden gems.
We must ensure we are putting our best foot forward, polished and ready to wow them with our Queenstown hospitality. This is a fantastic opportunity that we can't afford to miss.
The 19 members of the Queenstown branch of the New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) are certainly pulling out all the stops to make sure international and New Zealand Trenz delegates go home to spread the word about the wonderful time they had in Queenstown.
These include our most recent members, the soon-to-open Hilton Hotel and Kawarau Hotel, managed by Hilton on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
They bring the total number of rooms Queenstown NZHC members have available to visitors on a daily basis to 2680. This is 40% of Queenstown's actual available accommodation.
Some of you will remember NZHC as MAP (Major Accommodation Providers).
Nationally, NZHC represents the interests of over 130 members in eight regions and includes international chain, large independent, privately owned and boutique hotels around the country.
The hotel industry has an enormous economic impact on our small town, highlighting the financial grunt needed to service and look after our visitors.
All manner of products are required to ensure they have that special experience that we promise our fellow Kiwis and international guests alike.
Staff are vital in this equation and we rely very heavily on young overseas travellers to stay on and help offer that Kiwi experience for us.
We are a small town but we have a big part to play in the wider New Zealand tourism industry.
We are seen as the jewel in the tourism crown and as such our local scenery and attractions are used in much of the overseas marketing designed to entice potential visitors not only to New Zealand's shores but to Lake Wakatipu's as well.
Over the years we have watched Queenstown's activities grow, the retail area, restaurant and bars expand, the roads widen and the airport develop, all to service the needs of our visitors.
Our community has benefited, too, and we look forward to continuing our industry's strong contribution to our town.
