When Exotic Holidays started operating on 18 February 2010 there was a sense of doom and gloom around the world economy, something the travel industry hadn’t escaped.

Flight Centre team leaders were invited to hold their monthly meeting that discusses product updates, training, expos and more onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas as it called into Auckland on Tuesday.

A big turnout of trade partners to a ship inspection and function on Explorer Dream on Sunday was testament to the interest the ship’s New Zealand season has generated in the industry, the company says. A moment’s silence for the victims of the White Island tragedy was a sombre and thoughtful start to proceedings. Dream Cruises then showcased its entertainment options, dining creations by chef Mark Best and other special features of the mid-sized ship to 116 travel agents / brokers; 27 media and 10 industry VIPs. Explorer Dream has 928 cabins (passenger capacity 1856) and includes The Palace, described as a luxury ship within a ship.

• Jay Gilbert, Mikayla Cunningham, Jes... Jay Gilbert, Mikayla Cunningham, Jes...
• Jill Ryan, helloworld Orewa; Lynne... Jill Ryan, helloworld Orewa; Lynne...
• Zoe Christensen, Flight Centre Cambridge;... Zoe Christensen, Flight Centre Cambridge;...
• Tracy Malcolm, House of Travel... Tracy Malcolm, House of Travel...
• Joakim Vonasek, captain of Explorer... Joakim Vonasek, captain of Explorer...
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There was a record turnout of agents at Pullman Auckland this week when the ‘biggest ever’ contingent of suppliers from Japan, 16, co-hosted an event with Air New Zealand.