Corporate travel agents, incentive travel operators and group tour organisers were amongst the audience at MEETINGS 2023 in Tākina Wellington Convention Centre this week.

The event attracted 134 hosted buyers from around New Zealand and another 300 who made thie own arrangements to visit for a day.

Some 100 hosted or semi-hosted buyers from Australia and another 110 from international markets such as USA and Singapore also attended.

• At Zealandia during a MEETINGS... At Zealandia during a MEETINGS...
• Victoria Wales. HOT Events; Malcolm... Victoria Wales. HOT Events; Malcolm...
• Vita Jiang and Brianna Pfahlert,... Vita Jiang and Brianna Pfahlert,...
• Jamie Swan, The Hotel Britomart;... Jamie Swan, The Hotel Britomart;...
• Vikas Yadav from JW Marriott,... Vikas Yadav from JW Marriott,...
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New attractions, hotels and other reasons to make a repeat or first time visit were accentuated by a Singapore Tourism Board delegation to New Zealand late February. Travel agents were keen to be updated on the destination. See full story here.

• Michelle Thoo, Oliver Chong, both... Michelle Thoo, Oliver Chong, both...
• Virender Bakshi, Sky Travel; George... Virender Bakshi, Sky Travel; George...
• Tyson Megaw, Kirsty Wei, Georgia... Tyson Megaw, Kirsty Wei, Georgia...
• Jess Ogg, ETM; Anthony Valeriano,... Jess Ogg, ETM; Anthony Valeriano,...
• Nicolette Brown, Fortis Events; Meliana... Nicolette Brown, Fortis Events; Meliana...
• Holly Mallinson, Eddy Courtois, both... Holly Mallinson, Eddy Courtois, both...
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Significant systems changes with GO Holidays and GO Cruise, a strong broker presence that is quickly recovering its business and an independent network (MY Travel group) that has rebounded due to VFR traffic were all highlighted by helloworld GM New Zealand, Chris Hunter last week.

Skal Christchurch began its 2023 events yesterday with lunch in the sun at the Commodore Hotel; where the Patterson family has just celebrated 50 years of the hotel. 

Ironically, the last time the club meet at the hotel was the club’s 50th - also celebrating member Peter Morrison as Skal  World President 2020 with the Skal International executive in attendance.

Celebrations were again order of the day this week, with Leighton Cameron being presented with the Christchurch Skalleague of the Year award. Club president, Victoria Wales says Cameron has taught her all about the Skal spirit and is dedicated to everyone in the club.’

Wales also welcomed new members to the club including Emma McDonald, ChristchurchNZ; Greg Cooper, Christchurch Casino; Thomas Patterson, Hotel Montreal; and Jo Simpson, HIND Management.

• Christchurch Skalleague of the Year,... Christchurch Skalleague of the Year,...
• Briar Nash, Christchurch Airport; Mel... Briar Nash, Christchurch Airport; Mel...
• Jo Simpson, HIND Management; Rick... Jo Simpson, HIND Management; Rick...
• New members… Thomas Patterson, Hotel... New members… Thomas Patterson, Hotel...
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Seven Seas Explorer arrived in Auckland on 12 January, heralding a series of inaugural itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. About 50 travel trade and media took the opportunity to have a site inspection and lunch on-board.

The maiden voyages offer New Zealand clients the chance to visit destinations in their own backyard, from Bangkok to Sydney, Ho Chi Minh to Wellington and more.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers guests unlimited all-inclusive shore excursions in each port, included unlimited beverages (including fine wine and spirits), included speciality dining, complimentary in-suite liquor and mini bar replenished daily, pre-paid gratuities, included valet laundry service and unlimited wifi. Those booking Concierge Suite or above can also receive a complimentary pre-cruise one-night hotel packages well as a hotel-to-ship transfer.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has also launched an Upgrade Your Horizon package with a free two-category suite upgrade up to a penthouse suite when booked from now through to 31 March. Guests from New Zealand and Australia booking now can also secure their preferred suite and sailings with a reduced 7.5% deposit.

• In Seven Seas Explorer’s Master... In Seven Seas Explorer’s Master...
• Grand Suite stop… Jenna Allan,... Grand Suite stop… Jenna Allan,...
• In Prime 7 restaurant… Craig... In Prime 7 restaurant… Craig...
• Lunch at Chartreuse… Kevin O’Sullivan,... Lunch at Chartreuse… Kevin O’Sullivan,...
• Julia Hindmarsh, Flight Centre; Tracey... Julia Hindmarsh, Flight Centre; Tracey...
• Clinton Sangster, the Private Travel... Clinton Sangster, the Private Travel...
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