Skal International Auckland held its first event of 2021 by the beach at the St Heliers Bay Café & Bistro last week.

• Jacqui Wilkinson, Fine Art Tours;... Jacqui Wilkinson, Fine Art Tours;...
• Michael Shah , The Auckland... Michael Shah , The Auckland...
• Jacqui Wilkinson, Fine Art Tours;... Jacqui Wilkinson, Fine Art Tours;...
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Travel suppliers gathered at the Datacom premises in Auckland last week to hear more about new travel distribution company, Travel Lab. Chief executive officer Simon Mckearney told the audience that Travel Lab needs product for its front end distribution but ‘would rather do it as a collective. ‘And we can bring our friends in the tech world to this community.’

• Simon Mckearney, CEO of Travel... Simon Mckearney, CEO of Travel...
• Mike Hogan, Hogan and Associates;... Mike Hogan, Hogan and Associates;...
• Mark Turner, the Travel Corporation;... Mark Turner, the Travel Corporation;...
• Marija Kapiteli, CTTravel; Amaan Khan,... Marija Kapiteli, CTTravel; Amaan Khan,...
• Anne Dromgool, Datacom; Chris d’Anvers,... Anne Dromgool, Datacom; Chris d’Anvers,...
• Vanessa Traille, Cathay Pacific; Preeya... Vanessa Traille, Cathay Pacific; Preeya...
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The Skal Christchurch Club had the weather gods on side for its final event of 2020 – Christmas Bowls and BBQ. There were plenty of winners on the day, including the Christchurch City Mission who the club raised almost $1500 for in a club raffle. The Old Men team won best dressed and first prize in the competition, while the Young Ones came second and  The Bowled and the Beautiful third. Club president Caroline Blanchfield and vice president Victoria Wales took care of the BBQ…well until it caught fire. The club kicks off its 2021 season of events on Thursday 18 January at Craft Embassy on The Terrace.

• BBQ divas… Vic Wales, HOT... BBQ divas… Vic Wales, HOT...
• Second place goes to… Jess... Second place goes to… Jess...
• Best dressed and comp winners,... Best dressed and comp winners,...
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Waiheke Island became the island of Ireland, just for one day, late December. Tourism Ireland hosted a group of about 20 from the trade to the Hauraki Gulf destination on an itinerary that sought to replicate some of the experiences that clients would normally visit on the Emerald Isle. Tourism Ireland’s New Zealand representative, Darragh Walshe, encouraged participants to think of tasting freshly harvested Galway Bay oysters on the Wild Atlantic Way and experiencing the history, heritage and culture in Ireland’s Ancient East. There was a touch of Game of Thrones, much of which was filmed in Northern Ireland, and experiences which resonated of the flavours, music and characters in Ireland’s Hidden heartland.

• About to head off on... About to head off on...
• Enjoying bubbles at the Oyster... Enjoying bubbles at the Oyster...
• At Kia Piritahi to appreciate... At Kia Piritahi to appreciate...
• At Te Motu Vineyard for... At Te Motu Vineyard for...
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Guests at World Journeys’ Christmas get-together late December were told that the niche wholesaler is ready for business when borders are open. ‘And we know you are ready too,’ director Brett Barclay said in his address to gathered agents and suppliers.

Barclay notes that there are ‘green shoots’ in terms of the vaccine developments and a positive vibe among New Zealanders keen to travel again. ‘We’re seeing an increase in enquiries.’Barclay noted that he, like many others in the industry, has gone through ‘stages of grief’ this year but is now ‘getting on with it. ‘What I have loved during this year is that we have pulled together. Why are we still here? Because we love it.’ 

The event was held at Billfish Café in Auckland.

• Tania Cummins, Helloworld Travel; Mel... Tania Cummins, Helloworld Travel; Mel...
• Aish Rangarajan, Qatar Airways; Stephanie... Aish Rangarajan, Qatar Airways; Stephanie...
• Shirley Taylor, Taylor Made Travel;... Shirley Taylor, Taylor Made Travel;...
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