Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges says that despite some challenges he is feeling optimistic about the immediate future of the city.

Speaking at a Skal Auckland lunch at the Rydges Auckland’s rooftop yesterday, he notes that finding staff and staying profitable amidst surging inflation remained as major issues.

Thursday’s Skal event with Chris Luxon as guest speaker attracted some 70 people, from travel retail and wholesale, hotels, airlines, outbound operators and the inbound sector. Read what Luxon had to say here.

• Harmeet Seghal, NZ Business Traveller;... Harmeet Seghal, NZ Business Traveller;...
• Jacqui Wilkinson, White Glove Experiences;... Jacqui Wilkinson, White Glove Experiences;...
• Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;... Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;...
• Rachel Brown, Park Hyatt Auckland;... Rachel Brown, Park Hyatt Auckland;...
• Anmol Gulati, Park Hyatt Auckland;... Anmol Gulati, Park Hyatt Auckland;...
• Michael Shah, Northern Club; Megan... Michael Shah, Northern Club; Megan...
• Alita Holdaway, JNTO; Peter Manase,... Alita Holdaway, JNTO; Peter Manase,...
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The travel and tourism sectors have been urged by Leader of the Opposition, Chris Luxon to take the future into their own hands and then work with the government of the day to enable those plans.

Speaking at the Skal Auckland Club lunch at the Northern Club on Thursday, Luxon said it was time to for the industry to think more strategically than it had in the past.

With domestic cruising starting in other parts of the world the industry is increasingly asking why there are continued political barriers to doing the same in New Zealand.

Adam Goldstein, CLIA’s global chair, says ‘sequential resumption’ of cruising is about to start in Germany. ‘Home ports, working with the local and national authorities and taking guidance form the EU in the form of healthy getaways, are going to start cruises from Germany, returning to Germany – not visiting any ports in between – for citizens of Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Travel related merchandise provides potential for agents to add to their margins, according to the owner of an online luggage and accessories outlet.