• Debbie Summers, IDNZ – NZ... Debbie Summers, IDNZ – NZ...
• Andrew DeLatour, Apollo Motorhomes; Dylan... Andrew DeLatour, Apollo Motorhomes; Dylan...
• Sam Cameron, Tairāwhiti Gisborne Tourism;... Sam Cameron, Tairāwhiti Gisborne Tourism;...
• Tony Laskey, ServiceIQ; Wendy van... Tony Laskey, ServiceIQ; Wendy van...
• Charlie Ives, Regional Tourism NZ;... Charlie Ives, Regional Tourism NZ;...
•  

Past and present (and hopefully future) members of the travel industry got together for an informal drink, lunch and catch up at the Sweat Shop Brew Bar in Auckland mid October. There were a few Covid ‘war stories’, laughs and shared memories – with a promise that such catch ups should happen again.

The event attracted about 40 people on a progressive basis. Organiser Mike Hogan says it is critical that people who want to meet travel friends and colleagues have the opportunity to do so from time to time. ‘It’s been a real pleasure to see so many people come along today,’ he adds.

• Robert Schroeder, Mondo, Susie Williams,... Robert Schroeder, Mondo, Susie Williams,...
• Jono Norton, Flight Centre. Roann... Jono Norton, Flight Centre. Roann...
• Shelley Gutry, Our Pacific; Phil... Shelley Gutry, Our Pacific; Phil...
•  

Strong interest in the new Park Hyatt Auckland as a venue added to the strong turn out at yesterday ‘travel and tourism lunch with friends’, SKAL Auckland’s monthly function. But there was also an obvious desire for travel industry people to catch up again after a trying couple of months in the city.

President Michael Shah says the 50 available spots sold out in record time, with 21 guests joining the contingent of SKAL members. ‘We had a waiting list very early on,’ says Shah.

The occasion included the opportunity to look around the hotel, which opened with last month with views over the viaduct and back towards the CBD.

• Anna Black, General Travel; Danny... Anna Black, General Travel; Danny...
• Young Skal member Alba Kamberi... Young Skal member Alba Kamberi...
• Alan Wilcock, Oceania Cruises; Rachel... Alan Wilcock, Oceania Cruises; Rachel...
• Jo Saunderson, Innovative Travel; Marija... Jo Saunderson, Innovative Travel; Marija...
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Celebrations are important at the moment.

This was recognised by the team at House of Travel Christchurch City when they celebrated managing director David Williams’s 25th anniversary as owner operator of HoT Christchurch City. 

HoT management members Dave Fordyce, Jayne Alldred, Brent Thomas and HoT founder Chris Paulsen zoomed in for the surprise along with other industry friends. 

The team talked about his inspirational and supportive leadership; how he created HOT Events 15 years ago and was a game changer in the New Zealand sports travel market with the development of brands such as New Zealand Olympic Travel and Tri Travel.

‘Dave, we just want to say thank you for being an amazing, inspirational boss. It is a privilege to be part of your team, we are so proud of what you have achieved,’ says HoT Christchurch City team member Victoria Wales.

• Chris Fifield, longest serving team... Chris Fifield, longest serving team...
• he team at HoT Christchurch... he team at HoT Christchurch...
•  

In a sign of the Covid-19 times, travel industry people are catching up with friends and colleagues as they head off to new adventures – hopefully to return to the sector in the not too distant future.

Pacific specialist Rebecca Goodin has moved on from Flight Centre and picked up a new job. She was joined for a casual goodbye at the Sweat Shop Brew Bar in Auckland last Friday.