Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers below or click here to check out last week’s new appointments.
1. Meet Wendy Wu Tours’ new Business Development Manager for Victoria
Australia’s leading Asia tour operator Wendy Wu Tours is delighted to announce the appointment of Cameron Pritchard to the role of Business Development Manager Victoria.
Cameron joins the team bringing 7 years of travel industry experience across the Business Development, Air Charter and Group Travel markets. His most recent role was with MTA, with years of experience at HRG, Chapman Freeborn, and Flight Centre.
On his appointment, Cameron said: “I’m very excited to be able to offer support to our travel agents and assist them to grow their business, particularly in the SE Asia area of Retail, Group and Tailormade Tours”.
The highlight of Cameron’s career to date? Personally flight managing and flying with the Prince and Princess of Norway on a private air charter.
Cameron brings a wealth of travel industry knowledge and was a Top performer in retail sales previously, “I look forward to meeting the agents in Victoria and helping them to grow their sales in the Asia region”.
On his appointment, Vara Glover, Head of Sales at Wendy Wu Tours Australia said: “We’re excited to welcome Cameron to our team. With his broad and proven experience, I’m confident that he will make a real difference in growing our sales in Victoria”.
2. Meet Azamara Club Cruises’ new Chief Operation Officer
Azamara Club Cruises, the upmarket cruise line known for its destination-immersive voyages for discerning travelers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Cabezas to Chief Operation Officer.
Carol has been a part of the Royal Caribbean team for the last 17 years. During her time with the parent company she has held a variety of leadership roles across sales, finance and revenue management. Most recently, Carol served as Vice President of Investor Relations for Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. Prior to that, Carol was AVP of National and Strategic Accounts, North America for Celebrity Cruises where she also served as Director of Sales Planning earlier in her career.
“Carol is no stranger to the Royal Caribbean family and we know she will be an incredible asset to Azamara,” said Larry Pimentel President & CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “She brings expertise across a variety of important channels and we look forward to elevating the brand through strategic planning and ideas coming from our internal leadership team.”
As COO for Azamara Club Cruises, Carol will be responsible for the full range of operations of the cruise line including sales, marketing, revenue, finance deployment and shipboard operations.
“It’s an exciting time to join the Azamara family,” states Carol Cabezas. “The Azamara product and offerings are unique in the cruise space and I welcome this opportunity to be a part of the evolution of the brand.”
Prior to her career at Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD, Carol was an Associate Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Dispute Analysis and Corporate Recovery team.
Carol holds a Masters in Finance from University of Miami and Bachelor degrees in Finance and Accounting from Stern School of Business at New York University.
3. TAT’s New Zealand Marketing rep resigns
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney office has announced that Marieanne Ouwehand has resigned as the New Zealand Marketing Representative effective 30 September 2017.
Marieanne has been a great ambassador for Thailand in the past two years. She has worked hard in partnerships with various industry partners to ensure good growth from Kiwis visiting Thailand for their holidays.
The number of New Zealand passengers visiting Thailand from January to July 2017 has increased by 6.7 percent to 66,652 compared to same period last year, and tourism revenue derived from this market has grown up by 10.75 percent.
TAT will announce the new New Zealand Marketing Representative in due course.
4. Meet Visit USA’s new PR & Communications Managers
The United States travel trade tourism authority, Visit USA Organisation Australia has announced Lizzie Doyle of PRMarketing as their new PR & Comms Manager, following a thorough RFP process in the Australian market.
Funded by the US and Australian travel industry, Visit USA Organisation members consist of airlines, wholesalers, tourism bureaus and destination marketing companies. These tourism partners stand collectively to promote travel to the USA, through key trade events in the Australian market, including the highly successful Visit USA Expos.
Visit USA Organisation’s desire to have a dedicated PR & Comms Manager, is to provide additional support in member engagement and develop further interaction and initiatives for travel to USA in the Australian market place.
Commenting on the new appointment, President of Visit USA Organisation Australia, Kylee Kay said, “The organisation developed a democratic process of discovery and decision making when reviewing submissions for the role. Quality submissions were received making the process more difficult, however we are confident we have chosen the best person for the job in Lizzie Doyle.
“Lizzie brought with her knowledge, research and some fabulous ideas, which will be implemented moving forward. We are thrilled to have her join our team.”
5. Meet Samoa Airlines’ new commercial team
Samoa Airways (OL), Samoa’s new international airline, has announced key Commercial appointments as it prepares to open ticket sales.
Dwayne Bentley recently joined the Airline as Marketing and Communications Specialist based in Apia and Mailo Tiaga (Alfred) Senara will assume the position of Regional Sales Manager NZ/Australia based in Auckland.
Bentley is responsible for managing and driving the carrier’s marketing strategy, which is inclusive of branding, travel trade, industry and media relations. He is no stranger to the airline and tourism industries. Bentley started his career at Polynesian Airlines and moved from the Samoa Tourism Authority where he was Global Sales and Marketing Manager for the past 9 years.
Senara, a seasoned professional with over 20-years experience in the travel industry will join Samoa Airways from Helloworld. Senara was also previously with Polynesian Airlines, as well as Air New Zealand and will be responsible for driving the airline’s sales activities in the important Kiwi and Aussie markets.
The Airline has also appointed Aviation Online (AOL) as its General Sales Agent for the New Zealand and Australian Markets. AOL, which has a long-established track record in the airline representation industry with over 30-years in aviation services, will play a key role in building Samoa Airways’ profile across important market segments.
Subject to regulatory approval, Samoa Airways will operate to/from Auckland 6 times a week and to/from Sydney 2 times a week, using a 170-seat 2-class Boeing 737-800 with 8 seats in Business Class and 162 seats in the Economy cabin. The Airline will launch jet services on 14th November from its hub at Samoa’s main gateway, Faleolo International Airport.
6. Meet Next Hotels’ new General Manager
Next Hotels has appointed James Coleman as the new General Manager to Sage Hotel Adelaide and Chifley on South Terrace, both conveniently located near the picturesque South Parklands in the city famous for its architecture, festivals and proximity to world-famous wine regions.
James is a challenge-driven leader with over 15 years accommodation and hospitality experience possessing strong communication and interpersonal skills. Prior to joining Sage Hotel Adelaide & Chifley on South Terrace Mr. Coleman gained industry and management experience working with TFE Hotels and Far East Hospitality over the last 13 years in various executive roles, including Hotel Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager throughout the Asia Pacific region and most recently General Manager at Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore.
Commenting on his appointment, James Coleman remarked: “I am delighted to take the helm as General Manager of Sage Hotel Adelaide and Chifley on South Terrace presenting the very best in Australian hospitality”.
“I am very pleased to bring my many years’ experience to one of the most innovative hotel brands, Next Hotels. Located on the southern edge of the city centre, Sage Hotel Adelaide and Chifley on South Terrace both offer guests the luxury of staying within the city centre while enjoying the relaxing tranquillity of the parklands opposite and we look forward to welcoming you on your next travels to this area”.
James commenced his new role in Adelaide on 29 August 2017 and will hold responsibility for overseeing all aspects of operations at the two hotels; day-to-day staff management and delivering excellent guest experiences.