Leading questions: Trevor Hall, Tourism Holdings CEO

Trevor Hall. Photo / Kenny Rodger

How would you describe 2007 for Tourism Holdings?

It's been a tough distracting year. We were implementing a change strategy and got a takeover bid in the middle of it. But we are well and truly back on track now.

What was the company's greatest achievement?

We have managed through a distracting time to continue with change proactively and after the takeover failed we were back on track within days. The recent Intercity joint venture has enormous potential both for Northland and Tourism Holdings and Intercity group.

And greatest disappointment?

Nothing huge. Profits could always be better. It's been an okay year.

What will be the main challenges in 2008?

I think there are a number. We have to get our CI Munro factory back up operating (the company is in the process of building a new purpose built factory in Hamilton for the campervan, motorhome and caravan manufacturing business. It currently operates out of Otorohanga).

The tourism industry in general has got to take a good hard look in the mirror about how it will handle the environmental focus. I believe it will only be handled by a huge lift in quality in the industry.

There are also issues around employment and the high dollar. It remains tough in that area. We can't promote ourselves as being clean and green and put visitors in 15-year-old buses. It's got to be phased in over the next two to three years not 10. We should target the World Cup.

What was the most interesting business story of 2007?

Fonterra changing its capital structure is enormously important for New Zealand.

Where are you going for the holidays?

Europe and Brazil. (He is combining a work trip to Germany with a family holiday to the Bavarian Alps and will then head down to the beaches in Brazil - his wife's home country.)