In early May, Michelle Jurgens and Katrina Smeaton from CEDA attended TRENZ 2025 in Rotorua – New Zealand’s largest international tourism trade event – marking the first time our region has been represented on this global stage. 

TRENZ brings together more than 1200 delegates from 26 countries including travel buyers and New Zealand tourism leaders to forge partnerships, strengthen connections and generate future business – and we’re proud to say Manawatū was well received, with plenty of positive interest and new connections made.

Over the three-day event, CEDA joined over 300 tourism businesses and regional tourism organisations and met with more than 50 international and domestic buyers across high-energy appointments and conversations to discuss Manawatū’s key trade ready tourism products and offerings.  

As an emerging destination in the international travel space, Manawatū’s offering piqued strong intertest and we’re excited for the road ahead as we continue to build on the momentum.  
 
A huge thanks to our tourism operators who helped us put Manawatū on the map – we’re excited for what’s ahead!