The Tourism Chat Show

How do you make the most of TRENZ - before you arrive, during your appointments and after you get home?

In the first episode of TRENZ Unpacked for 2027, Michelle Caldwell is joined by Liz Grossman from Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Anna Black from General Travel and Collette Rogers from RealNZ. Bringing regional, buyer and seller perspectives, they share practical advice on turning your investment in TRENZ into valuable relationships and business opportunities.

We discuss how to set clear objectives, research buyers and ensure your business is trade ready. On the event floor, we explore asking better questions, listening to what buyers need and making the most of conversations beyond your scheduled appointments. Afterwards, it’s about timely, personalised follow-up and working with your inbound partners to keep opportunities moving.

The panel also explains why results take time - and why success isn’t always measured in immediate bookings.

Whether you’re preparing for your first TRENZ, returning with new goals or building towards attending in the future, this conversation will help you develop a stronger plan.

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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 Guests

Anna Black: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-black-4b002766/ 

Liz Grossman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-grossman-0566b031/ 

Collette Rogers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collette-rogers/ 

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

What’s changing in tourism right now, and what should operators actually be paying attention to?

In this episode of the Tourism Chat Show, Michelle looks at five trends that have stood out over the past few weeks, including Australia’s strong outbound travel market, the continued importance of travel trade, AI moving closer to the booking stage, the rise of event-led travel, and the changing definition of premium experiences.

She also introduces Destinate’s new Weekly Roundup series, created to cut through the noise and focus on the tourism sales, marketing and distribution developments that have practical implications for owner-operated tourism businesses.  Read it here: https://www.destinatenz.com/knowledgehub/categories/the-destinate-weekly-roundup 

A useful listen if you want a quick read on what’s changing, why it matters, and where the opportunities might be.

_____________________________________________________

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! 🥰

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, Michelle chats with Aimee Pitcher from Cape Sanctuary, a remarkable 2,500-hectare private conservation project on the Cape Kidnappers Peninsula in Hawke’s Bay.

Aimee shares the story behind Cape Sanctuary’s 20-year restoration journey, from the 10.5km predator-proof fence to the return of 23 locally extinct species, more than one million native trees planted, and the extraordinary contribution of over 200 active volunteers.

The conversation explores the importance of private conservation, the power of long-term vision, and why tourism - done carefully and intentionally - could help support the sanctuary’s future. Aimee also shares why the Ocean Beach side of Cape Sanctuary is now becoming a key focus for future visitor experiences, with its restored dunes, wildlife, coastal landscapes and deeply layered conservation story.

_______________________________________________

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

Aimee Pitcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-pitcher-7202a4262/ 

For more info on Cape Sanctuary: https://www.capesanctuary.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 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