The SKAL Bastille Day Lunch was held at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth yesterday with just the right amount of ‘joie de vivre’. Splashes of red, white and blue adorned dedicated Francophiles at the event that saw Adrian Caruso from TA Fastrack, welcomed as a new member.

John Walsh, executive producer Getaway, entertained guests with tales of his 17 years at the program including the nail biting 7 minutes where the highly anticipated ‘Live from Everest’ episode nearly didn’t go to air.

Mr Walsh also shared the proposed plans for the program in 2012, including the possibility of 4 one hour prime time episodes external to the regular half-hour episodes scheduled at 5:30pm every Saturday.

“One of the reasons the show has persisted for such a long time has been the support of the travel industry. Without the support of airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel operators and car hire companies there would never have been a show that we could have made,” said Mr Walsh before expressing his thanks to the industry.

Garry Gelenter SKAL President of Sydney, John Walsh-Getaway

Adrian Carusso newly inducted into SKAL Sydney & Garry Galenter

Garry Gelenter SKAL President of Sydney, Eric Douay-D Tour Marketing

Garry Gelenter SKAL President of Sydney, Deanna Varga - Sofitel Sydney Wentworth,  Melinda Brown-AFTA, Eric Douay-D Tour Marketing