Graduations, an announcement of the latest inductees and some new and refreshed sponsorships were all part of a TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) NZ ceremony and function at Crown Institute of Studies in Auckland early April. Photographs are by Margaret Tuakai and Stu Freeman. (See full coverage of the event here.)

• Liz Grossman, FWWC23; Andrew Dale,... Liz Grossman, FWWC23; Andrew Dale,...
• Chris Jones, Expedia TAAP; Debbie... Chris Jones, Expedia TAAP; Debbie...
• Megan Roberts, AUT; Tony Laskey,... Megan Roberts, AUT; Tony Laskey,...
• Puretu Puangi, Crown Institute of... Puretu Puangi, Crown Institute of...
• Leanne Cheeseman United Airlines; Lauren... Leanne Cheeseman United Airlines; Lauren...
• Lindy Christian, Our World; Alex... Lindy Christian, Our World; Alex...
• Jo O'Sullivan, Cruise World; James... Jo O'Sullivan, Cruise World; James...
• Mike van Beekhuizen, Allianz; ScottCleaver,... Mike van Beekhuizen, Allianz; ScottCleaver,...
• Chris Jones, Expedia; Andrew Gay,... Chris Jones, Expedia; Andrew Gay,...
• Brendan Drury, Orbit World Travel;... Brendan Drury, Orbit World Travel;...
• Sam Cameron, Destination New South... Sam Cameron, Destination New South...
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Graduations, an announcement of the latest inductees and some new and refreshed sponsorships were all part of a TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) NZ ceremony and function at Crown Institute of Studies in Auckland early April.

The proceedings were held in an atmosphere of optimism as borders open, the industry gets busy and the focus is firmly put on developing skills as well as retaining and attracting talented personnel in the travel and tourism sectors.

Access to information will be more important than ever for travellers when they start moving again and the industry as a whole needs to work to ensure the consumer can move with confidence, says James Marshall, vice-president global air account management with Expedia.

Speaking at CAPA Live, Marshall was responding to a question put by moderator Trent Banfield, international operations and aviation manager at Tourism Australia. Banfield noted that travellers might be more confident being able to call someone to help them get through any difficult situation.

The Expedia TAAP Travel Agent Toolkit was launched in Australia and New Zealand this week.

Stu Udy who looks after TAAP here, says agents have been asking for help with marketing themselves to their local and broader community.

Expedia Group is opening package travel rates to all of its travel agency community customers. Director retail distribution Stuart Udy, says this move recognises the impact of the Covid pandemic on agents.

Previously only silver and above level members had access to the discounts (around 20%) on products booked via the Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP). Now all tiers will be included in the scheme, while those partners who had silver or above membership in 2020 will retain that level thorughout 2021.

 Expedia remains confident that its Travel Agent Affiliation Progamme (Expedia TAAP) will make a strong comeback as consumers return to both leisure and corporate travel.

St Udy, Expedia’s director travel agent distribution, says consumers more than ever will want advice and confidence in where they are travelling and who they are travelling with in terms of suppliers.

Auckland Airport is predicting international passenger growth will continue at a rate of at least 4% per year over the next five years, despite increasing fuel prices, a hotel industry gathering in Auckland heard yesterday.