Interview With Tim Cossar, TIA Chief Executive
Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 24, 2010 at 7:06 am
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Tourism Industry Association (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar about TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest and most important international tourism event. With more than 270 international buyers from 30 markets, 36 international media, 24 domestic media and over 250 leading tour operators exhibiting (with 65 new tourism products, including 22 new exhibitors) at TRENZ, Mr. Cossar admits that he and his team are busy.
As the global economic landscape appears to be slowly improving, Mr. Cossar says that he is seeing some positive movement as the world emerges from recession and consumers become more confident. “We’re excited about the prospects for this year’s event,” he says. “People are still cautious, but there is a growing optimism that the economy is coming back.” He added: “Buyer numbers are up on last year’s TRENZ. We have good representation from our major visitor markets including Australia, China, U.S. and UK. We’re also seeing increased interest from emerging and new markets such as South America and Eastern Europe. As well as a big jump in buyers from India, reflecting a growing interest in travel to New Zealand from this market.”
Mr. Cossar also touched on the new products and exhibitors at TRENZ 2010. He says that they reflect the depth and innovation of New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry, which generates $25 million foreign exchange earnings into the economy every day of the year. “It’s been a tough year for tourism businesses,” he explains. “Yet people continue to invest in new and exciting products that help keep us in the spotlight on the international stage. TRENZ helps them to showcase their products and to maximize their return-on-investment.”
Mr. Cossar is always one of our favorite interviews at TRENZblog. While last year he told us that he was keeping himself alert and focused with energy drinks and caffeine, things are a bit different today. “None of that for me this year, it’s all about the healthy approach,” he laughed, explaining that he is in training for a cycling marathon that will take a great deal of physical and mental stamina. It makes sense, given that Mr. Cossar’s role helps showcase New Zealand, home of high adventure, to the world—that after TRENZ, he would need to find something else to keep that adrenalin flowing. (Post-TRENZ, I go home and sleep for a week! So, Mr. Cossar, I salute your energy with a cup of large, extra strong coffee.)
