The Tourism Chat Show

In this final TRENZ Unpacked episode, Michelle sits down with Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, for an inside look at what’s shaping TRENZ 2026.

With the event returning to Auckland for the first time in a decade, Bex shares how this year’s theme Whakapiki – Elevating Aotearoa New Zealand Tourism to the World is being brought to life through new initiatives, global insights, and a strong focus on delivering real value for both buyers and sellers.

Michelle and Bex dive into:

The introduction of the International Media Marketplace and VIP Summit, bringing global media and top travel CEOs to TRENZ

A refreshed TRENZ Talks programme, offering insights into global trends, AI, and consumer behaviour

The evolving event format, including more informal networking opportunities

The incredible behind-the-scenes effort (and surprisingly small core team!) that delivers TRENZ each year

How advanced appointment matching technology connects the right buyers and sellers

Why post-event feedback plays a critical role in shaping future events

TIA’s wider role supporting the industry through global uncertainty, AI disruption, workforce challenges, and crisis response

Bex also shares why she remains optimistic about the future of New Zealand tourism, pointing to strong foundations, world-class experiences, and continued global demand.

As the industry heads into TRENZ week, her advice is simple: know your appointment book, prepare well, and make the most of every opportunity.

______________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Rebecca Ingram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ingram-8450208/ 

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In this episode of The Tourism Chat Show – TRENZ Unpacked, Michelle sits down with Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, to explore why Auckland is stepping confidently back into the spotlight ahead of TRENZ 2026.

With major infrastructure projects nearing completion, new hotel investment across the city, and the long-awaited opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), Auckland is entering a new phase - and the tourism sector is feeling the momentum.

Karen shares what buyers can expect to discover at TRENZ this year, highlights new and emerging visitor experiences across the region, and explains why Auckland is increasingly being seen as more than just a gateway city.

From golf and kiwi spotting at Tāwharanui to Waiheke Island adventures, cultural storytelling across the maunga, and a rapidly evolving food scene - there are more reasons than ever to stay longer in Auckland.

They also discuss the growing importance of culinary tourism, the role of major events in driving visitation (including strong Australian demand), and what success will look like for Auckland as the industry gathers in the city for TRENZ.

If you're heading to TRENZ - or simply curious about where Auckland’s visitor story is heading next - this conversation is the perfect preview of what’s to come.

______________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Karen Thompson-Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-thompson-smith-69a1188/ 

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In this TRENZ Unpacked episode, Michelle catches up with Nic Mead from Auckland Sea Kayaks ahead of his first-ever TRENZ - and what it’s taken to get there.

Starting a business from his garage and growing it into one of Auckland’s most respected marine tourism operators, Nic shares the journey behind Auckland Sea Kayaks and the deep connection to place that sits at the heart of their experiences across the Hauraki Gulf. He reflects on winning the Excellence in Community Engagement category at the Tourism Awards in 2025 and being a finalist in the Excellence in Business (Micro) category - recognition that has helped raise the profile of the business and opened new conversations across the industry.

Nic also talks candidly about what it really means to become trade ready, why attending TRENZ has always been part of a longer-term strategy, and the preparation required before stepping onto the international stage. From refining products specifically for trade to researching the right buyers and focusing on alignment over volume, this episode is packed with practical insight for operators considering their own first TRENZ.

It’s a thoughtful and honest conversation about timing, relationships, and building a business strong enough to grow into the opportunities the travel trade can bring.

______________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Nic Mead - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nic-mead-8a218120/ 

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

Food is no longer just something visitors enjoy while they’re here -  it’s increasingly the reason they choose a destination in the first place.

In this episode of TRENZ Unpacked, Michelle catches up with Elle Armon-Jones from The Big Foody, who has spent the past 15 years introducing visitors to New Zealand through curated culinary experiences across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and cruise ports around the country.

They explore how food tours help visitors understand the deeper story of a destination, why Auckland’s dining scene is having a real moment right now, and what international travellers are increasingly looking for when they book culinary experiences in New Zealand.

Elle shares insights into emerging trends in food tourism, the growing demand for hands-on experiences like markets and cooking sessions, and why storytelling and human connection are still the most powerful ingredients in any visitor experience.

They also talk about what buyers attending TRENZ should notice about Auckland this year - and why the city deserves more than just a gateway stop on a New Zealand itinerary.

Plus, Ellie shares her top Auckland recommendations for delegates with a free evening between appointments.

If you’re heading to TRENZ - or simply interested in how food is shaping the future of visitor experiences in New Zealand - this episode is packed with inspiration.

______________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Elle Armon-Jones - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebigfoody/ 

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast

In this episode of TRENZ Unpacked, Michelle chats with Sarah Johnson from Paper Ink and Passports Travel, a US-based Virtuoso travel advisor who specialises in high-end, experience-led itineraries for curious and well-travelled clients.

Sarah shares what luxury travel really means in 2026 - and why it’s less about thread counts and more about access, uniqueness, and trusted relationships. She explains how advisors work with DMCs and vetted suppliers, what helps a New Zealand experience stand out in an itinerary, and why orientation experiences like food tours and cultural walks can be incredibly powerful for first-time visitors.

They also explore where New Zealand sits in the competitive landscape right now (spoiler: Europe is hot for US travellers), what advisors are hoping to discover at TRENZ, and how operators can make the most of their appointments - especially when meeting luxury buyers for the first time.

Packed with practical tips on pitching, follow-up, and building genuine relationships, this episode is essential listening for operators preparing for TRENZ or wanting to better understand how Virtuoso-level advisors select experiences for their clients.

______________________________________________

Powered by https://www.destinatenz.com 

If you, or someone you work with has a great tourism story to share, and would like to come onto the show, please get in touch!

This is an independent podcast by tourism strategist Michelle Caldwell. We are absolutely dedicated to bringing you the best tourism business stories and sharing marketing tips and strategies to your ears each week! The best way you can support The Tourism Chat Show is by subscribing, leaving a (rave!) review, (five star!) rating and spreading the word on social media with your friends, family, and colleagues- we love you for that! 🥰

Today's Guest

Sarah Johnson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahelisabethjohnson/ 

Paper Ink and Passports Travel - https://www.paperinkandpassports.com/ 

For more info on TRENZ: https://www.trenz.co.nz/

 

Resources and Links to connect with us:

Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ

Share you thoughts and say hi to us on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourismchatshow

Michelle Caldwell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekcaldwell/

Website: www.destinatenz.com

If you'd like to advertise or feature on the show, please check out our media kit - https://www.destinatenz.com/podcast