In a video interview, managing director Graham (Scroo) Turner referenced the Middle East crisis and noted that decades of experience and knowledge in the industry have helped the group persevere.
‘We’ve had the Gulf War, September 11, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Covid and now a war as well as others. However, our expertise in the industry has helped us get around the toughest of times.’
Supplier relations and contracting leader Jono Norton (sticking to the western theme of the event) noted that the company ‘rode out the Middle East crisis and kept the wagons rolling.’
Norton notes that priorities now include continuing the growth seen in the cruise sector and further strengthening ties with trusted partners.
‘We’ve been sharpening our supplier data so that we have dead-on reporting accuracy,’ he adds, ‘and we’ll be tracking new supply opportunities as well.’
Jason Buckley, general manager Envoyage New Zealand noted that the company has added a new agency, seven brokers and 20 sub-brokers recently. He says the independent arm continues to look for growth but it will be targeted and not growth for growth’s sake.
‘We need to make sure it works for everyone involved,’ he says. ‘We are enthusiastic about the rise in sub-brokers, because it lets our existing network concentrate on their own business.’
He says though the Middle East conflict led to quieter times, Envoyage ended the quarter ‘in a way we are happy with.
‘Independents often come back quicker than some sectors (after a crisis) because they always stay connected with their customers in the community, no matter what is happening in the wider environment.’
See also earlier coverage TRAVELinc Memo Tuesday 7 July
