This episode of The Tourism Chat Show hosted by Michelle Caldwell features Olivia Ponniah from Liv &Travel, a UK-based independent travel company launched right before the pandemic. Liv shares her experiences as a first-time attendee of the New Zealand tourism trade show, TRENZ, focusing on her search for unique New Zealand travel experiences that cater to luxury travellers. She emphasises the importance of building relationships with local suppliers and seeks to bring New Zealand closer to her clients. Liv also discusses the challenges of launching her business near the pandemic's start, her company's partnership with Major Travel, and the recent demand for travel to New Zealand from the UK market. Additionally, she talks about her strategies for maximising her time at TRENZ, gives advice to first-time attendees, and highlights the importance of sustainability and supporting local communities.   00:00 Launching a Travel Business Pre-Pandemic: A New Zealand Focus 00:28 Welcome to the Tourism Chat Show: TRENZ Unpacked Episode 00:40 Introducing Olivia Ponniah: A First-Time Buyer's Journey to TRENZ 02:34 Building a Global Travel Business: The Story of Liv &Travel 03:43 Exploring New Zealand: Anticipations and Aspirations 04:40 Seeking Unique Travel Experiences: The Luxury of Personalisation 07:15 The Challenges and Excitements of a First-Time Buyer at TRENZ 14:26 Sustainable Tourism: Balancing Luxury and Responsibility 16:43 Maximising Time at TRENZ: Strategies for Success 18:35 Advice for First-Time Attendees: Embracing the TRENZ Experience _______________ 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: Olivia Ponniah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviaponniah/ Liv &Travel - https://livand.travel https://www.linkedin.com/company/livand-travel/ Resources and Links to connect with us: Love the show? You can support us by buying a coffee ☕️ here — https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DestinateNZ 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