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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Wholesalers, corporate travel managers and meeting planners are being urged to check out New Zealand’s latest luxury offering in accommodation before it opens on 15 September.