Tourism Waitaki general manager Hugh Packer and marketing and sales co-ordinator Megan Howell attended the event in Queenstown, which provided an opportunity to attract more overseas tourists to the Waitaki district.
Mr Packer said some Waitaki attractions in particular stirred much interest from overseas buyers.
"It is clear that the mature markets, such as the UK, Germany, Australia and the USA are looking for something different for their clients, but those from the emerging markets, such as parts of Asia, South America and Russia, are at the event to learn as much as they can before incorporating [New Zealand] into their travel programmes. Great opportunities all round.
"Each appointment meeting is different, as no company we met is the same, but it was clear they are looking for points of difference between the regions of New Zealand.
Along with discussing products that were required for the trade operators, events, Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, heritage and Steampunk were a hit.
"A goal is to gain traction on the touring route between Christchurch and Dunedin, encompassing Tekapo, Omarama, the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru then south to Dunedin. If we can be included in travel trade brochures and websites then our visitor numbers would grow from the international market, which has unlimited boundaries for the Waitaki district. Everyone is a winner."
