The New Zealand Government's recent border announcement, and what’s ahead for the industry in 2022, were hot topics among attendees at last week’s February Skal Auckland industry lunch held at Annabelle’s Restaurant in St Heliers.

• Harmeet Seghal, Travel Media, Jacqui... Harmeet Seghal, Travel Media, Jacqui...
• Gaye Wood, Regency Tourism Group;... Gaye Wood, Regency Tourism Group;...
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A familiar face from the pre-pandemic travel industry reconnected with the trade yesterday when Rako Science hosted a function at Olympic HQ at The Cloud in Auckland.

After working for most of this year as a team leader at Covid testing stations, Tracey Brennan is now travel trade manager at Rako Science.

Travel agents will soon have their own trade portal on the Rako website where they will be able book pre-departure PCR tests for clients (and earn commission).

The client then receives confirmation of the time and location for the test,’ explains Brennan. ‘The result and certification is emailed to the client and we can provide a physical certificate if required.’

The company provides a seven-day service, results are provided within 12 hours, and an urgent service (six hours) is available.

Rako Science executive director, Leon Grice says travel agents are an important part of the travel industry. ‘We wanted to make sure that agents are part of the solution.’

• Tony Smith, Francis Travel Marketing;... Tony Smith, Francis Travel Marketing;...
• Jill Grant, A Walker’s World... Jill Grant, A Walker’s World...
• Kristin Edgeworth, 360 Edge; Sharlene... Kristin Edgeworth, 360 Edge; Sharlene...
• Donal O’Sullivan, Cruise World; Anita... Donal O’Sullivan, Cruise World; Anita...
• Juliette Haigh, guest: Simon Peterson,... Juliette Haigh, guest: Simon Peterson,...
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The Tourism Export Council (TEC) NZ Conference wrapped up at the Devon Hotel, New Plymouth last night with a MASH themed event  (possibly a fitting end to an event for an industry sector that has had a battle on its hands for the last 18 months).

The sell out conference included a trade expo for the first time, with some 90 suppliers meeting one on one for a few minutes with each of the inbound operators in attendance.

Other highlights included a function at the Govett Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre, a 50th Anniversary gala dinner at Theatre Royal, a full programme of speakers and workshops and pre and post Taranaki trade famils.

• Robyn Sarah-Mills, ANZ Nature Tours;... Robyn Sarah-Mills, ANZ Nature Tours;...
• Tony Boot, BTM and Rural... Tony Boot, BTM and Rural...
• Imke Mertens (centre), Moa Trek;... Imke Mertens (centre), Moa Trek;...
• Tim Cossar, Te Puia; Julia... Tim Cossar, Te Puia; Julia...
• Mahalee Guieysse, Visit Ruapehu; Anita... Mahalee Guieysse, Visit Ruapehu; Anita...
• Wendy van Lieshout, Active Adventures;... Wendy van Lieshout, Active Adventures;...
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While most of the USA 4 July trade presentation was virtual this week there was also a small live audience to add some atmosphere at the Hawaiian Airlines Auckland offices on Tuesday.

The webinar included pre-recorded messages plus ‘on-the-spot’ updates from airlines, destinations, accommodation providers, cruise lines and more.

• Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi; Dave Nicholson,... Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi; Dave Nicholson,...
• Sonia Francis, Global Travel Network... Sonia Francis, Global Travel Network...
• Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jono... Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jono...
• Brooke Jamieson, Helloworld Travel; Allen... Brooke Jamieson, Helloworld Travel; Allen...
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TRAVELinc Memo caught up with around 20 Kiwis here were at ATE21 in Sydney this week.

• Danielle Andreuzzi, DR Tourism representing... Danielle Andreuzzi, DR Tourism representing...
• Rachel Telford, Tourism NT; Bryce... Rachel Telford, Tourism NT; Bryce...
• Deb Lynch, Unparalleled Journeys; Nicole... Deb Lynch, Unparalleled Journeys; Nicole...
• Michael Castleman, Dan Barbour, Exclusive... Michael Castleman, Dan Barbour, Exclusive...
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