The introduction of new talent into the industry is one of the bright spots for the future identified by Chris Hunter, general manager New Zealand with Helloworld Travel.

Helloworld Travel Limited has agreed to acquire 100% of Express Travel Group brands in Australia and New Zealand from current owners Tom Manwaring and Sintack Pty Ltd.

These brands include First Travel Group, YOU Travel, and Lifestyle Holidays in New Zealand; Express Travel Group, Creative Cruising and Chung Pak Travel in Australia.

Helloworld New Zealand has launched the Helloworld Travel Academy,  designed to provide training and development opportunities to Helloworld member networks. The aim is to attract, train and retain employees in the travel industry.

Helloworld is expanding its retail and commercial operations with the appointment of Brooke Jamieson as the head of branded retail and commercial.

Chris Hunter, general manager NZ of Helloworld, points out that Jamieson has been part of the team for the last seven years, serving in various commercial roles.

Simon McKearney has finished up as executive general manager at Helloworld Travel. He left on 9 September, earlier than originally planned.

He says this is to enable him to fully move into a new work environment. Communicating with HLO franchise owners, associates and others by email, McKearney said he is making progress in his ‘desires to
re-imagine travel’ and shared this with HLO’s global CEO last week.

This week’s Journey Through Japan incentive winners are Shari O’Connor from Helloworld and GT Rodgers from Travel Professionals.

The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ), with contributions and endorsements from Flight Centre, Helloworld, House of Travel and First Travel Group, has presented a submission to government on travel supplier credits – remedies and protections for travel agents and consumers.

TAANZ chief executive Andrew Olsen says the submission laid out the inherent risk in credits, supplier failure and consumers seeking refunds, and the travel agent bearing the brunt of chargebacks and collapse.

Leaders in the travel industry have been encouraged to create an environment where no-one can hide when it comes to creating a diverse working place and giving equal and fair opportunities to all.

Unless you are telling people a story they are interested in, you are just talking crap consistently, delegates at the helloworld frontliners conference in Auckland were told over the weekend.
Cassie Roma was one of the keynote speakers at the conference and she addressed, among other things, the connected culture of today, the desire of many younger people to be ‘you tubers’ and the ‘rebirth of the guru’.
But most of all she stressed the importance of being kind. ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’
The two day conference took place at SKYCITY Convention Centre and included award presentations, functions, supplier-agent meetings, company updates and plenty of networking.
• Everyone in the photos on this page are from helloworld Travel branded stores unless otherwise stated

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• Sandy Botterill, GO Conference &... Sandy Botterill, GO Conference &...
• Leigh Somerville, Blenheim; Veronica Kelly,... Leigh Somerville, Blenheim; Veronica Kelly,...
• Rob Macready, travel&co; Patricia Xu... Rob Macready, travel&co; Patricia Xu...
• Anne-Marie Denton, Browns Bay, gives... Anne-Marie Denton, Browns Bay, gives...
• Dee Jordan, Millwater; Robyn Galloway,... Dee Jordan, Millwater; Robyn Galloway,...
• Amanda McGruddy, Meredith Gillies, Masterton;... Amanda McGruddy, Meredith Gillies, Masterton;...
• Kylie Davis Strangwick, Rototuna; Jackie... Kylie Davis Strangwick, Rototuna; Jackie...
• Simon Dallow, master of ceremonies;... Simon Dallow, master of ceremonies;...
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From 1 July, New Zealand Travel Brokers will join the Helloworld network as an Associate Member.