In a sign of the Covid-19 times, travel industry people are catching up with friends and colleagues as they head off to new adventures – hopefully to return to the sector in the not too distant future.

Pacific specialist Rebecca Goodin has moved on from Flight Centre and picked up a new job. She was joined for a casual goodbye at the Sweat Shop Brew Bar in Auckland last Friday.

It was a Skal lunch to suit the Covid times yesterday – good networking and tasty traditional food at Matamata Memorial RSA, but planned to suit a budget. The venue also meant Skaleagues from Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty could all meet at one place. The day included raffles, a two course meal and cash bar (all at RSA prices), with sponsored transport from Auckland, with Hallmark, for those who wanted it.

• Auckland Skal club president Michael... Auckland Skal club president Michael...
• Jo Saunderson, Ifnnovative Travel and... Jo Saunderson, Ifnnovative Travel and...
• Richard Froggatt and Gay Wood,... Richard Froggatt and Gay Wood,...
• Megan Singleton, Blogger at Large... Megan Singleton, Blogger at Large...
• David Boyce, Mondo Travel, Anna... David Boyce, Mondo Travel, Anna...
• Debbie Summers, ID Tours and... Debbie Summers, ID Tours and...
• Sally Attfield, Skal NZ president;... Sally Attfield, Skal NZ president;...
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Viva Expeditions recently hosted North Shore, Auckland travel agents at its office for drinks and to celebrate a new beginning. The invitation noted that agents just needed to bring a smile and a hug.

Meantime, managing director Rachel Williams has revealed Viva Expeditions’ Covid story in an honest and open reflection on her blog. 

‘I think everyone in travel is really hurting by what has happened, I thought by being open and honest about how it feels from the wholesaler perspective others may relate.  At the end of the day we are all in this together and there is some solace in that,’ says Williams

https://vivaexpeditions.com/blog/our-covid-story

• Tara Sutherland, Viva Expeditions; Bryce... Tara Sutherland, Viva Expeditions; Bryce...
• Carolyn Hedley, helloworld Hobsonville; Flavio... Carolyn Hedley, helloworld Hobsonville; Flavio...
• Aspire Travel Group's Man Nghi... Aspire Travel Group's Man Nghi...
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Skal Christchurch is continuing to meet with its July event taking place at Marty Fuller’s Elmwood Trading Co last week.

Tourism New Caledonia invited a few trade partners to celebrate on Saturday night at Le Chef – in advance of today’s Bastille Day.

‘All of them are great supporters of the destination and we were happy to connect again a glass of wine (French of course),’ says Sally Pepermans, director New Zealand,Tourism New Caledonia.