Displaying items by tag:HOT

House of Travel is investing further in its bricks and mortar footprint to support continued growth, appointing Jan Cox as national business partnerships manager.

By Faye Spooner

House of Travel brought together 130 of its key suppliers and industry partners at an exclusive thank-you event this week, set against the skyline at SO/ Hotel’s rooftop bar.

It was a night that emphasised connection, collaboration and a business moving with confidence into 2026 and beyond.

The gathering reflected House of Travel’s continued upward trajectory after another year of standout performance and record sales. With this momentum, the focus is now on sustained growth with quality revenue, according to CEO David Coombes who spokecandidly about the evolving travel landscape.

‘Leisure is absolutely holding up,’ he says, noting that while North America has presented challenges, demand is shifting strongly towards alternative destinations.

He notes that corporate travel, meanwhile, continues to rebound in line with the economy, with more intensive travel patterns emerging.

Almost one year into a three-year strategic plan, Coombes reaffirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail. Quality revenue, he says, is driven by stores and relationships, with physical connections remaining central to success.

Coombes highlighted the continued strength of House of Travel’s Australian operations and its Trans-Tasman growth ambitions, as the business looks to build greater scale and capture increased market share in Australia’s larger market. He also acknowledged the success of the company’s broker model, which complements the company’s retail footprint.

Above all the message of the evening to suppliers was clear: partnership matters. ‘We are a partnership-driven business,’ Coombes concluded. ‘You plus us equals happy customers.’

• Tahlia Crocker, Allianz; Cara Botica, Allianz; Adam Ferraro, Club Med (based in MEL), Nicholas Dew, Hawaiian Airlines; Sarah Porter Niue Tourism, Lisa Linn, Visit Anaheim and Stuba
• Kim du Plessis, G-Adventures; Dave Fordyce House of Travel, Yvonne and Dennis Payne, House of Travel Orewa
• Alyssa Field, South Sea Cruises; Mel Watson, Silversea; Wayne Deed, Musket Cove
• Kirsten Lee-Burgess, House of Travel head office; Marija Tolj, The Travel Corporation
• Megan Porter, Norwegian Cruise Line; Cara Botica, Allianz Insurance; Jacqui Kennedy, House of Travel head office; Dani Ened, Oceania Cruises
• Alison Hopkirk, Delta Air Lines, Sarah Porter, Niue Tourism; Samantha Martin, Wendy Wu Tours; Lesley Perrie, Innovative Travel and Wide Eyed Tours

The 11 Christchurch-based House of Travel outlets got together last week to treat their local suppliers to a Christmas lunch at Hotel Montreal, in recognition of the collective hard work that went into creating a successful 2025.

The event was a chance to relax, connect and celebrate working together. Owner-operators from the 11 Christchurch stores were in attendance, as well as representatives from 12 suppliers, including Stuba, On the Go, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand, The Travel Corporation and Christchurch International Airport (CIAL).

The 28-degree day at the locally owned and operated Hotel Montreal was perfect for a three-course lunch, complete with Christmas truffles.

A special acknowledgement was made to Prue Dunbar, House of Travel regional marketing manager for the Christchurch region, for her passion and energy in delivering results for both suppliers and HoT.

‘We also wanted to recognise how special it is to operate collaboratively as a group of 11 outlets spread across the city. We don’t often get the chance to all come together and reflect on the wins, so it was a great opportunity to toast to the year that was, as well as the year ahead,’ says Dalwyn Sinclair, owner HoT Upper Riccarton.

• Elaine Casey, Air New Zealand; Briar Nash, Christchurch International Airport; Jan Cox, Qantas
• Megan McCall, HoT Christchurch City; Mel Hubber, HoT Ferrymead; Sarah Bright, HoT Northlink; Prue Dunbar, HoT Marketing; Jo Lill, On the Go
• Sarah Crowe, HoT High St Lanes; Charlotte Page, Emirates; Harriett Kesterton, Allianz; Ian Duggan, Emirates
• Jonathan Prager, HoT Rangiora; Ian Collier, Discover Travel; Dalwyn Sinclair, HoT Upper Riccarton

Progress within the company’s three-year strategic plan was a key focus when House of Travel and Orbit World Travel business owners plus partners got together in Singapore last week for the annual conference, themed Stepping up to one up.

House of Travel was named the Large Workplace of the Year winner in the Best Places to Work 2025 last night for the extraordinary culture the company has built.

House of Travel Group has acquired YOU Travel Levin, expanding its national retail footprint in the lower North Island.

While Kiwi travellers have locked in their destinations for the current school holidays travel, habits are shifting, with several Asian hotspots gaining popularity and shaping more itineraries, according to House of Travel.

Global Travel Network (GTN) has appointed Mark O’Donnell (MOD) as a strategic advisor to its board. MOD brings a wealth of experience to GTN, having spent 12 years with House of Travel, including nine years as CEO.

House of Travel Takapuna has reopened after a five-year hiatus, responding to customer demand for face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital world.

Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) has been in New Zealand visiting House of Travel agents ahead of the peak booking period for Kiwis locking in flights for the upcoming winter season.