Skal Auckland’s 4th of July celebration was a couple of days late but that didn’t hamper festivities when members and guests got together at the Longroom in Ponsonby early July. A number of USA suppliers, including airlines and tourism offices, gave short updates and put up some ‘merch’ for raffles.

• Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jonas... Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jonas...
• Louise Sutton, Flight Centre; Tony... Louise Sutton, Flight Centre; Tony...
• Skal Auckland president Megan Singleton,... Skal Auckland president Megan Singleton,...
• Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;... Paul Dymond, Wendy Wu Tours;...
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Skal Christchurch began its 2023 events yesterday with lunch in the sun at the Commodore Hotel; where the Patterson family has just celebrated 50 years of the hotel. 

Ironically, the last time the club meet at the hotel was the club’s 50th - also celebrating member Peter Morrison as Skal  World President 2020 with the Skal International executive in attendance.

Celebrations were again order of the day this week, with Leighton Cameron being presented with the Christchurch Skalleague of the Year award. Club president, Victoria Wales says Cameron has taught her all about the Skal spirit and is dedicated to everyone in the club.’

Wales also welcomed new members to the club including Emma McDonald, ChristchurchNZ; Greg Cooper, Christchurch Casino; Thomas Patterson, Hotel Montreal; and Jo Simpson, HIND Management.

• Christchurch Skalleague of the Year,... Christchurch Skalleague of the Year,...
• Briar Nash, Christchurch Airport; Mel... Briar Nash, Christchurch Airport; Mel...
• Jo Simpson, HIND Management; Rick... Jo Simpson, HIND Management; Rick...
• New members… Thomas Patterson, Hotel... New members… Thomas Patterson, Hotel...
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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.

New Zealand’s five Skal Clubs have come through the last two years holding membership and are now starting to see numbers increase, says Skal International New Zealand president Sally Attfield.

The fellowship orientated club for travel and tourism professionals held its national AGM and congress in Wellington over the weekend, which also marked the 65th  anniversary since the club started in the city.

The highlight of the event was a dinner at the Grand Hall in Parliament.

Vic Wales, HOT Events, Christchurch was named the New Zealand Skalleague of the Year on Saturday night – the first recipient of what is set to become an annual award.

Wales, currently Christchurch Club president, was recognised for the work she does across the industry as well as Skal. She is active in public relations around the club, and organises events such as the popular annual Trivia nights. She has also been active in promoting Young Skal.

After a ‘double whammy’ caused by the construction of Auckland’s City Rail Link and the Covid pandemic, Shakespeare Tavern owner Sunny Kaushal sees this week as the ‘new beginning’ for the iconic pub.

Hosting the Skal Auckland Club lunch yesterday was a portent of better things to come for the tavern, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.

‘This week is really the start of a revival after going into Orange because the last two weeks have seen people leave town for Easter and Anzac weekend,’ says Kaushal. ‘Then next week we are kicking off our formal anniversary celebrations.’

Kaushal gave fellow Skaleagues an update on the last few difficult years but is focused now on a positive recovery – especially with new hotels soon opening in the vicinity.

‘We’re still here and we’re getting back slowly,’ he adds.

• Jonas George, Air Vanuatu and... Jonas George, Air Vanuatu and...
• James Billings, Grand Millennium Auckland;... James Billings, Grand Millennium Auckland;...
• Peter Tuohy, Global Visas; Lauren... Peter Tuohy, Global Visas; Lauren...
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The New Zealand Government's recent border announcement, and what’s ahead for the industry in 2022, were hot topics among attendees at last week’s February Skal Auckland industry lunch held at Annabelle’s Restaurant in St Heliers.

• Harmeet Seghal, Travel Media, Jacqui... Harmeet Seghal, Travel Media, Jacqui...
• Gaye Wood, Regency Tourism Group;... Gaye Wood, Regency Tourism Group;...
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A New Zealand Skalleague of the Year Award is being launched to recognise a member who has made an exceptional contribution to the club in this country.

Nominations will be accepted from the five regional Skal Clubs (Auckland, Wellington, Te Tauihu, Christchurch and Queenstown).

Skal Christchurch held its AGM at the Pavilions Hotel recently and Rebecca Rosie from The South Island Office was elected in as treasurer to join the existing executive officers – Catherine Blanchfield GCH Aviation, president; Victoria Wales, HOT Events, vice president and Nikki Rogers, Service IQ, secretary. Kate Blundell from Collective Concept was voted on as a committee member, joining existing members – Todd Schmidt, Bruce Garrett, Cathy Hemsworth and Kim Chan.

This month’s event will be in conjunction with the New Zealand AGM taking place at The Canterbury Club on Thursday 25 March. Members from throughout New Zealand are welcome, and can contact the club on skalchc@gmail.com for registration details.

• Skal CHC's executive officers Rebecca... Skal CHC's executive officers Rebecca...
• Skal CHC president Caroline Blanchfield... Skal CHC president Caroline Blanchfield...
• Welcome to the committee –... Welcome to the committee –...
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