Displaying items by tag:World Travellers

Updates on TVNZ Breakfast plans from GM marketing Gordy Bayne and an overview of the company by chair Wendy van Leishout were among the highlights on a busy programme at World Travellers’ Partner Appreciation event on Wednesday night. 

The function at Advieh Restaurant in InterContinental Auckland also served as a welcome for new GM Jodie Burnard and farewell to former general manager Dave Nicholson. In amongst that there was still plenty of time to enjoy some of the especially prepared food and beverage and some lively networking.

• Dave Nicholson, former GM World Travellers; Selina McGowan, Cover-More; Tori Courtney, World Travellers Board; Jodie Burnard, GM World Travellers; Will Ashcroft, Cover-More
• Karl Bradford, Malaysia Airlines; Peri McCardle, Canuckiwi; Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Karen McCardle, Canuckiwi
• Becs Laker, World Travellers Navigators; Rachel Williams, Viva Expeditions; David Wallace, Allianz
• Jodie Burnard (centre), World Travellers; with Tourism Fiji’s Ana McKearney and James Leslie
• Kristy Wei, Infinity Holidays; Melissa Brooks, Destination New South Wales; Angela Webber, Globus family of brands
• Emily Rose, Qantas; Dan Wright, Tourism Australia; Sam Cameron, Destination New South Wales
• Kim du Plessis, G Adventures; Jen Staples, Flight Centre Travel Group; Jo Rendell, Infinity
• Leanne Cheesman, United Airlines; Gordy Bayne, World Travellers; Paula Kerr, Singapore Airlines
• Joelle Talbot, Fortis Travel; Wendy van Lieshout, World Travellers; Elaine Patton, Luxury Escapes

World Travellers has appointed Victoria Courtney as an independent director, strengthening the cooperative’s governance with her commercial expertise and a proven track record across the travel, corporate and product sectors.

World Travellers has named Jodie Burnard as its new GM.  

Dave Nicholson is stepping down as general manager of World Travellers after eight years at the helm. Nicholson has guided the cooperative through industry disruption, growth, and transformation. He now leaves for what he describes as ‘travel – and then absolutely nothing involving a laptop.’

World Travellers recently rewarded its top five Qantas stores with an incentive journey to New York City. Representing their stores were Judith Gearry, RSE Travel; Jeremy Matthews, World Travellers Motueka; Leanne Schou, Fuzion Travel; Emily Palmer, Quay Travel; and Nicola McLaren, World Travellers New Plymouth.

Independent travel agency Fortis Travel has officially joined World Travellers Group’s nationwide collective.

World Travellers Group has returned to TVNZ 1 Breakfast for 2026.

World Travellers hosted a Supplier Appreciation Luncheon at the JW Marriott’s latest dining option, KURETA, last week to recognise preferred partners who have invested in the TVNZ Breakfast, Coast FM, ZB and The Breeze partnership for 2025.

The gathering underscored a shared commitment to growth and collaboration among both owners of the World Travellers stores and its supply partners.

Gordy Bayne, general manager of marketing at World Travellers, says store owners are focused on the brand’s collaborations. ‘It makes sense to celebrate not just our thriving relationships but also our ambitious strategy to become a trusted travel brand in New Zealand,’ he says.

He says last week’s  event served as a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past two years, marked by an evolution in marketing strategies across television, radio, digital platforms, and a rapidly growing customer database through World Travellers’ e-newsletter.

World Travellers confirmed its commitment to continue the partnership with TVNZ Breakfast into 2026. Additionally, the WISH LIST campaign will return, launching in the first week of February 2026.

• Alicia Riddell, Showponi; Davina Bennetto, World Journeys; Steve Parker, Viking; Paula Kerr, Singapore Airlines
• At the World Travellers’ event in Kureta last week… Clare Jackson, Travel Suites; Chris Lethbridge, Emirates; Andrew Parke, Fuzion Travel
• Nicola McLaren, World Travellers New Plymouth; Tania Stranks, Showponi; Gordon Bayne, World Travellers marketing
• Paula Kerr, Singapore Airlines; Stu Mckay, Fuzion Travel; Angela Webber, Globus family of brands

Setting business goals and creating new opportunities in a changing business landscape were focus points during the Fuzion Travel / Travelwise Holidays conference in the Gold Coast over the weekend.

World Travellers has added five new members in the past 12 months, with the number of offices now reaching 30.