A travel industy boss says the “devastating” and “heart-breaking” years of the pandemic are now well behind the sector which is enjoying some of the best results ever. Brent Thomas, president of the Travel Agents Association of NZ (Taanz) said the industry had been galvanised by the pandemic. “This is now a thriving industry that is having the best years it has ever had,“ he said at the Taanz national travel industry awards in Auckland last night.
An industry veteran, Jim Murphy of Pukekohe Travel, took the top Taanz honour, entering its Hall of Fame. The firm was also prominent in awards selected by travel suppliers. It was the first time the awards have been held for five years after being put on hold when Covid-19 hit in early 2020.
Closure of borders led to the near collapse of international travel. Many agents worked to get Kiwis back home while their businesses were collapsing around them and thousands lost their jobs or had their roles cut back drastically. Thomas, who is also House of Travel’s chief operating officer, said it was draining letting people go.
“It was mentally a tough period - and of course it was financially devastating.“ But the recovery had been dramatic. New Zealand-resident traveller arrivals - Kiwis taking holidays overseas - were 2.
84 million in the latest March year, increasing by one million from the March 2023 year, according to Stats NZ. Two airlines serving New Zealand - Emirates and Singapore - have announced record profits.
