After 50 years at the helm of Latin America specialist Contours Travel, Founder Ted Dziadkiewicz is handing over the reins of the business to two long-time team members: Senior Travel Specialist Heather Poppelier and Product Manager Ines Vivot.
From 1 July 2025, Poppelier and Vivot will take over Contours Travel as co-owners, while Dziadkiewicz will remain connected in an advisory capacity in the short term.
After reaching this remarkable milestone and a pioneer in promoting Latin America to the Australian market, Dziadkiewicz is recognised among industry peers for his pivotal role in building connections, understanding the unique market needs and fostering growth across the region.
A Latin American legacy
Reflecting on his lasting legacy, Dziadkiewicz recalled the “bus trek” of a journey from his first venture across the border into Mexico to Rio de Janeiro in 1975, using only maps to navigate.
“I’m not sure how I found my way, but I’ve loved being part of the Contours Travel journey,” he said.
“As much as I love Latin America, it’s the people whom I have met and worked with along the way that have made it a great experience.
“After 50 years of loving what I do, offering amazing holidays to Australian travellers from colonial Mexico down south to Antarctica, I’m very happy to hand over the ‘driving’ to Heather and Ines, who have demonstrated their equal love of all things Latin America.
“From the amazing sights and sounds to fabulous cuisine, great history and vino tinto, Heather and Ines are already creating new, unique holiday ideas to share with our clients.
“The best part for me is their great business relationship and friendships, which will auger well for the continuation of Contours Travel,” Dziadkiewicz told Karryon.
A new era for Contours Travel
Both Poppelier and Vivot have been with Contours Travel for around 15 years and have been involved with all aspects of the business, including sales, operations, marketing and finance.
Poppelier said: “This feels like a natural step, both for us and for the business, and we are really motivated to continue nurturing and developing our reputation as Australia’s leading Latin America specialist.”
Vivot added: “With Heather based in Melbourne and me in Buenos Aires, we are incredibly well placed to manage operations round-the-clock as well as offering exceptional service to clients on the ground.”
The Contours Travel team will focus on improving experiential and luxury travel offerings across Central and South America and increasing advisor engagement through workshops, webinars and events throughout 2025 and beyond.
Find out more at contourstravel.com.au
