No Person or Business is an Island

A highlight for me, having worked at River Valley for almost 36 years, has always been the people you meet.

Most guests only stay for a night or two, and pre-covid, they were primarily from overseas. This meant we seldom, but not necessarily never, got to see them again. Covid has certainly changed that, with familiar faces more often being in evidence. And that is a really nice thing.

A few days ago, we had stay a party from the cycle and walk operator, Adventure South. Even though I had not met the guides previously, we quickly got to chatting, and of course, much of the conversation centred around how each of us was doing in these challenging times. It certainly appears that there will be winners and losers as each of us attempts to repivot to meet the new reality.

After they had left, I realised how much I had missed the camaraderie one gets from talking with others in the same industry. I doubt this sort of camaraderie is limited to tourism operators but would be present in many professions.

During what we once considered normal, guides, drivers and tour operators came through River Valley regularly. Unlike most guests, we would see them up to 10 times a year. Over time, many of these people became our friends and a part of our wider whanau or family.

No person is an island, and neither is any business.

Even now, maintaining, building and treasuring relationships with other operators and guides is important and rewarding, both on a business and a personal level. We are better together.

It was great to be reminded of that.

Brian Megaw