New Caledonia Tourism and national carrier Aircalin have appointed Viviana Hales as sales executive, Australia, a joint role spanning the airline and the tourism board.
Hales steps into a dual brief that puts her in front of Aussie retail trade partners, wholesalers and tour operators, charged with lifting awareness of New Caledonia as a destination and explaining Aircalin’s full-service product.
She brings more than 20 years in the travel industry, having worked with leading airlines and run her own travel agency before taking on the position.
Hales has worked across both the leisure and corporate sectors, experience the two brands are positioning as a fit for the relationship-driven work of educating Australian sellers on a short-haul South Pacific product.
“Travel remains one of my greatest passions, and I love immersing myself in new cultures and giving back through volunteer opportunities in the destinations I visit,” Hales said.
“I am excited to be joining the New Caledonia Tourism and Aircalin team as a sales executive Australia and look forward to building strong relationships with industry partners, sharing my passion for this unique South Pacific destination, and helping inspire unforgettable travel experiences for Australian travellers.”
New Caledonia Tourism Australia account director Rebecca Marchal said Hales’ arrival would help boost awareness and ultimately travel to Australia’s closest Pacific neighbour.
“With her extensive experience and genuine passion for the travel industry, we are confident she will assist in promoting New Caledonia as a top destination for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences in this beautiful corner of the world,” she remarked.
The appointment lands as New Caledonia rolls out a tourism masterplan targeting Aussies that includes a major change to how visitors arrive in the destination.
“Viviana’s role will be key in educating our trade partners about Aircalin’s full service offering from Australia to New Caledonia on our fleet of young, modern Airbus Neo aircraft,” said Aircalin general manager Australia Chris Thistlethwaite.
“Even though we are only a 2-hour flight from Australia, Aircalin still offers our customers food, beverages, entertainment and check-in luggage all included on the short flight to Australia’s closest South Pacific neighbour.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: A single point of contact across both the airline and the tourism board gives Australian sellers one door to knock on for New Caledonia training and Aircalin product. With New Caledonia barely two hours from the east coast, it remains one of the shortest international sells on the board for advisors building South Pacific itineraries.
