The Tourism Chat Show

What’s it really like taking your business to TRENZ for the first time, and what do you learn once you’ve been through it? In this episode of TRENZ Unpacked, Michelle Caldwell catches up with newer sellers to hear about their experiences, what surprised them and the lessons they’d share with other operators preparing to attend. From finding the right buyers and building confidence in their pitch to discovering what makes their experiences stand out, these conversations offer an honest look at the learning that happens before, during and after TRENZ. We explore how buyer feedback helped sharpen product descriptions, identify the most suitable visitor markets and give operators greater confidence in what they offer. We also discuss what happens when those conversations turn into enquiries, including getting booking processes and payment terms ready, delivering on promises and making time for personal follow-up. You’ll hear practical advice on: Preparing for buyer meetings and researching who to meet. Making the most of RTO support and seller coaching. Using buyer conversations to refine your products and messaging. Building relationships through personalised follow-up, training and famils. Understanding why some opportunities develop quickly while others take time. If you’re heading to your first TRENZ, or are still relatively new to working with travel trade, this episode is packed with useful insights from operators who have recently navigated that journey themselves. 1.31 - Emma Goodfellow, Craggy Range 15.27 - Ocean Mead, Auckland Sea Kayaks 33.23 -Anna McKenzie Hawea, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve ______________________________________ 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 Emma Goodfellow, Craggy Range - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-goodfellow-49109b3a7 Ocean Mead - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oceanpatrice  Anna McKenzie Hawea - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mckenzie-hawea-2348636  Learn more about 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       

Tourism brings jobs, business and opportunities to communities across New Zealand, but how do we fund the infrastructure, services and promotion that keep it working? In this episode, Michelle Caldwell talks with Annie Dundas, Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, about the New Zealand Tourism Funding Charter and its call for an enduring funding model that supports tourism in the places where it happens. Annie explains why short-term funding makes it difficult for regions to plan, shares the example of Auckland withdrawing its bid for the 2030 Gay Games because of funding uncertainty, and discusses the options being considered, including a visitor levy or returning a share of existing tourism-generated revenue to regions. The conversation explores why local decision-making matters, where short-term rental accommodation fits into the picture, and what reliable funding could mean for events, infrastructure, destination marketing and tourism businesses of every size. We also discuss what meaningful progress could look like and how operators can help keep tourism funding on the political agenda. ______________________________________ 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 Annie Dundas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniedundas/  Read the NZ Tourism Funding Charter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sNN1ZBenuRi18wIWfSAF75HJN265poh-/view  Put your support behind the NZ Tourism Funding Charter (until 6th November 2026): https://aucklandunlimited.jotform.com/262518752277869  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 

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. _____________________________________________________________ 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 

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