True to the theme of Christmas get togethers in 2020, the Global Travel Network (GTN) rooftop catch up in Shortland Street was more about marking resilience and survival than celebrating the last 12 months. But it also had a note of optimism for a better year ahead. As director Rob Beecher said, ‘Let’s face it, it’s been a sh.. of a year.’ He thanked agents and suppliers for sticking 2020 out and noted that more than ever it showed the importance of strong relationships. The casual event included a few drinks and nibbles, plus pizza. ‘Next year we might be able to afford garlic bread and chips to go with the pizza,’ added director Allen Bell.

• Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;... Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;...
• Yogi Batra, Exotic Holidays; Aish... Yogi Batra, Exotic Holidays; Aish...
• Ian Herald, guest; Stephen Tanner,... Ian Herald, guest; Stephen Tanner,...
• Leanne Shou, Ocean Escapes; Michelle... Leanne Shou, Ocean Escapes; Michelle...
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As travel business owners look to the future, a network set up to meet the needs of independent agents feels it has the right model for a post Covid comeback.

Rob Beecher, of Global Travel Network (GTN), says although the company is obviously hurting like everyone in the industry, the signs are that the ‘small, lean and nimble’ model has held up comparatively well in tough times.

‘A Taste of Croatia and Slovenia’ hosted tours are gaining momentum, Croatia Times Travel’s senior wholesale consultant Ela Patajac told agents at the GTN2019 conference.

Loyalty Awards were presented to 20 companies as a big thank you from GTN for their three years of support.

The ‘demise of the travel agent’ is a fallacy, says Rob Beecher, Global Travel Network director.

• Sandeep Quiney, Emirates; Pettine Holland,... Sandeep Quiney, Emirates; Pettine Holland,...
• Chris Hammonds, Mondo Mt Eden;... Chris Hammonds, Mondo Mt Eden;...
• Virender Bakshi, Sky Travel; Lynda... Virender Bakshi, Sky Travel; Lynda...
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Global Travel Network (GTN) turned three last week.

Global Travel Network (GTN) agents were shown Sri Lanka with Thai Airways and Exotic Holidays.

With a growing team in place and a full calendar year of operation behind it, Global Travel Network (GTN) is looking towards further growth, more famil tours and its first national conference in 2017.
Director Rob Beecher says the conference will be held at Rydges Rotorua on 28 to 30 July and some 100 agent delegates, plus suppliers (25 already confirmed) will attend.
‘The time is right to be looking head to our first conference,’ says Beecher. ‘In the last 12 months we delivered on our promise of four famils (a Fiji Cruise, Thailand, Sydney and Whitsundays) and we will be doing another four in the year ahead. So the