Destination Marlborough’s annual Big Day Out 2025 was hosted for the first time at Portage Resort in Kenepuru Sound. This provided a uniquely Marlborough backdrop for the inbound tour operators and industry representatives from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to meet with 25 trade ready local operators.
Destination Marlborough Acting General Manager Tracey Green said she believed it was the first time that the Big Day Out had been held in the Marlborough Sounds.
“The choice for this year’s trade day was strategic by hosting in the Marlborough Sounds. The team at Portage Resort did not disappoint - now under Capstone Hotel Management - they put on a
spectacular showcase for our visiting agents showing off newly refurbished rooms, along with outstanding food offerings” she says.
Green says the Big Day Out provided operators with a unique opportunity to connect one to one with trade and experience all that was special about Marlborough first hand.
“Attendees were encouraged to dig a little deeper when talking to operators at this year’s event. We are fortunate that travel trade can either meet the business owners or senior staff at an event like this and in turn this means our operators can be flexible and fast when responding to the their’ needs.”
“When we have agents better equipped to sell Marlborough, it drives visitor numbers, increases overnight stays, and supports jobs across the accommodation, hospitality, activity and transport sectors,” Green added.
The event took place over three days and included site visits, hosted experiences, and a dedicated trade day with one-on-one appointments between and is held annually.