All exhibitors the Queenstown Times spoke with during Trenz, which ended on Wednesday, said their schedules were full with "quality" appointments with travel buyers and the likelihood of future business.
The event in Queenstown was described a "family reunion" of everyone interested in New Zealand tourism.
Queenstown operators said they valued having interested national and international buyers and media on their doorstep, to experience products for themselves.
The exhibition hall in the Queenstown Events Centre and the adjacent marquee were buzzing with trade talk in more than 30,000 appointments between almost 300 buyers and a similar number of exhibiting New Zealand tourism operators, who paid, on average, $4000 for a booth.
They had a limit of 51 15-minute appointments, along with free time and functions at which to network and socialise.
A total of 562 predominantly travel buyers, including some exhibitors and media, were familiarised with the activities and experiences of 40 Queenstown operators, on Tuesday. Familiarisations for New Zealand and overseas media delegates only were held on Monday and Wednesday.
Destination Queenstown ran appointment schedules for both Asian and Western markets. Golf tours, ski operations and extending stays in Queenstown were among the most frequent queries, chief executive Tony Everitt said.
One of his appointments was with V-Tour Zhejiang Travel Service delegate Mike Shao, from near Shanghai, who was interested in new products for monthly trips by Chinese clients.
"I want to know more about Queenstown because Queenstown has become a very popular destination for Chinese, especially for [the] luxury market," Mr Shao said.
The resort's "quietness, great landscape amd, of course, the nice people" appealed to Chinese visitors, he said.
Ngai Tahu Tourism displayed all its Southern Lakes products to traditional Western markets and a lot of new Chinese business, Southern region manager David Kennedy said.
"If they are new buyers, they're after the basic product information, such as trip times and commissions."
A successful Trenz would be judged by "securing new business and getting a feel for the pulse of the industry around the world," Mr Kennedy said.
Hilton Worldwide regional director of sales Australasia Robin Watters, of Sydney, said appointment briefs during the "extremely organised" trade show saved valuable time and allowed exhibitors to cut straight to business.
There was a good mix of international buyers being met by Hilton's six representatives, whereas some shows matched exhibitors with domestic buyers who were already familiar, Mr Watters said.
"It's not so much of signing of contracts, the objective from our point of view is promoting our new hotels in Queenstown, Taupo and Auckland," he said.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside general manager Jim Moore, with the Accor group stand, said the hotel was "pretty well full" with a large contingent from Tourism New Zealand accommodated, plus buyers.
"The good thing about [Trenz] being in Queenstown, is they experience the activities, whereas in Auckland, or some other locations, you're talking about them, but not really seeing them."
Trenz was about maintaining relationships as well as promoting new products.
Kiwi Discovery and Queenstown Rafting managing director Vance Boyd said Trenz compared favourably with past events in larger venues.
"It's much more compact and buyers find it not so far to walk. It's engendered a more casual and friendly atmosphere."
Mr Boyd said success was deemed subjectively on the quality of appointments and the likelihood of business.
"We do have a number of buyers from China and most are in the fact-finding role and asking how to include products Queenstown may have. The Chinese market is coming, ready or not."
Gaining instant exposure of new products and networking were the drawcards for New Zealand Lodge Association Philip Jenkins, also general manager of luxury retreat Blanket Bay.
"Appointments are very strong, good interest from qualified buyers from England, America and UAE [United Arab Emirates]."
Edgewater resort general manager Leigh Stock, of Wanaka, said Trenz was about capturing new business and catching up with clients.
Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar told media delegates on the last day of Trenz the showcase had been "one of the best ever".
