In this TRENZ Unpacked episode, Michelle chats with Ajay Vagha from APT Travel Group - a long-time group touring specialist with deep roots in New Zealand (APT’s first international destination). Ajay shares why scheduled group touring is enjoying a real resurgence, with travellers valuing the comfort, security and simplicity of having everything taken care of - from airport transfers to luggage handling, priority access, and expert tour commentary.

From an operator perspective, Ajay explains why group travel can be a smart “baseline” revenue stream: it’s typically booked well in advance, helps with budgeting, staffing and forecasting, and can support shoulder-season cashflow. He also unpacks what APT looks for when selecting experiences: products that are premium and authentic, not “cookie cutter,” plus operators who understand tight touring timelines, can offer flexible timing, and occasionally add something small-but-bespoke to help guests feel special.

Ajay busts a big myth: group business isn’t immediate. Their planning cycles run long - often 24+ months - with discussions already reaching into 2027–29. He shares what makes a great TRENZ appointment (spoiler: preparation wins), what buyers need operators to have ready (rates timelines, cancellation policies, group terms, imagery - delivered digitally), and why building relationships matters even if you’re not the right fit yet. Finally, he flags emerging trends: growth in small group touring, slower-paced travel, longer itineraries, and rising interest in places like Napier, Blenheim and Kaikōura alongside the classic icons.

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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 Guest

Ajay Vagha - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-vagha-ba126b8/

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

TRENZ Appointments close 31 March 2026.

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 is joined by Geraldine “G” McMillan, Western Markets Sales Manager at RealNZ, to unpack what really drives results at TRENZ.

Responsible for revenue across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada and Mexico, G shares an inside look at how one of New Zealand’s largest tourism operators approaches the biggest onshore trade show of the year — and why the real value of TRENZ extends far beyond the 15-minute appointments.

From pre-show preparation and strategic appointment planning to follow-up discipline and measuring ROI through CRM systems like HubSpot, this episode is packed with practical advice for both first-time exhibitors and seasoned operators.

They discuss:

• Whether deals are actually “done” at TRENZ

• Why follow-up is where the real money is made

• How to maximise ROI (even as a smaller operator)

• The risk of not showing up

• Western market trends, including changing lead times and strong US performance

• The power of inbound partnerships and trade relationships

If you’re wondering whether TRENZ is worth the investment — or how to get more traction from it — this episode is essential listening.

___________________________________________________________

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

Geraldine McMillan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-mcmillan-a4a2a8b0/

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, Michelle sits down with Paul Button, General Manager of Rotorua Canopy Tours, to unpack one of New Zealand’s most remarkable tourism success stories.

From his early days as a whitewater raft guide chasing winters and summers around the globe, to leading one of New Zealand’s most awarded visitor experiences, Paul shares his journey into tourism leadership and the culture that drives Rotorua Canopy Tours.

This conversation goes far beyond ziplining.

Paul reveals:

• How founder James Fitzgerald set out to create “the most engaging zipline experience in the world” - and why the zipline itself only makes up three minutes of the tour.

• How conservation became central to the business, removing 800 pests in the first week and sparking a long-term biodiversity commitment.

• Why visitor experience excellence is simple - but incredibly hard to deliver consistently.

• The power of emotional “spikes” in creating unforgettable family moments.

• How a tourism business is now contributing to cutting-edge carbon sequestration research, potentially reshaping how New Zealand values native forest restoration.

With over 9,000 TripAdvisor reviews and global accolades under their belt, Rotorua Canopy Tours proves that tourism can do more than entertain - it can restore ecosystems, build legacy, and create meaningful human connection.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, conservation, and the role tourism can play in shaping a better future.

___________________________________________________________

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

Paul Button - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-button-93241b187/

More about Rotorua Canopy Tours - https://www.canopytours.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