Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry’s Movers and Shakers!
1. Singapore Tourism’s new regional director
The Singapore Tourism Board has appointed John Gregory Conceicao to the Oceania team as regional director Oceania, replacing his predecessor Kenneth Lim.
John has already stepped into the role and where he is responsible for overseeing the operations and in-market activities carried out by the Singapore Tourism Board’s Oceania team based in Sydney.
Together they will continue to ensure that Singapore maintains its leading position as a compelling business and leisure destination for both Australians and New Zealanders.
John joined the Singapore Tourism Board in 2003, and has held several leadership positions involving marketing, strategic planning, and capability development for the tourism sector in Singapore.
“2015 will be an extremely exciting year for us as we commemorate and celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary, and I look forward to sharing it with Oceania.”
John Conceicao, Singapore Tourism Board regional director Oceania
2. New sales person at Grand Millennium Sukhumvit
The property recently announced Ms. Hataichanok Paneiam will step into the role of assistant director of sales – leisure to drive more business into the property.
Ms. Hataichanok graduated from Rangsit University in a Faculty of Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management Major. She start worked in hotel industry in 2003 in a position of Sales Coordinator at The Arnoma Hotel then left to join with Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok as sales manager – travel trade industry and got promoted to senior sales manager in 2008.
In 2010 Hataichanok joined with Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit as assistant director of sales – leisure and airlines then left to work with Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin in same position before joining with Grand Millennium Sukhumvit.
3. Southern Discoveries expands into East Asia
The Queenstown-based company is expanding its business further into East Asia, with the appointment of a new regional sales manager.
Melody Ma will take on sales for the East Asian region, which the company says has experienced a significant growth in the past few years.
Last year China overtook the US in becoming the second biggest market for New Zealand tourism (after neighbouring Australia) signifying potential opportunities and growth within the East Asia market.
Ms Ma has a wealth of experience in inbound tourism following ten years in the industry and speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin, as well as English.
Southern Discoveries’ general manager John Robson said he was “thrilled” to introduce the new position to the company and secure someone of Melody’s calibre for the team.
Ms Ma will work alongside Cecil Potatau, Southern Discoveries’ international sales manager Asia, with both based in Auckland. Mr Potatau said he was “excited” to see Melody join his team.
“This is an excellent opportunity to further my tourism career and I’m thrilled to join a company that operates in such iconic destinations as Southern Discoveries.”
Melody Ma, Southern Discoveries sales manager East Asia
4. Bench International appoints WA rep
African safari operator Bench International has appointed South African Nicky Oosthuizen as its sales representative in Western Australia.
Bench GM Martin Edwards says that the appointment is in keeping with strict Bench policy of providing the best possible service for agents from people well acquainted with east and southern Africa.
He said agents will benefit from her first hand knowledge of Africa.
For the past three years Ms Oosthuizen has worked with New Horizons Holidays.
5. New CEO to step in at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park has appointed a new chief executive who says his focus will be to build the company’s reputation as a leader in Indigenous tourism and employment in Australia.
Commencing in the new role from 2 March, Greg Erwin will replace outgoing CEO Geoff Olson who will could oversee the final stages of the Cultural Park’s $12 million redevelopment.
Greg has over 20 years experience in the industry having previously help the title of general manager at Mossman Gorge Centre and before that spent 15 years in various management roles with Accor.
Mr Erwin said he was thrilled with the appointment and was keen to build on Tjapukai’s rich and proud history as the cornerstone of Indigenous tourism in Tropical North Queensland.
“Working with the team at Tjapukai I will ensure we are focused on delivering a world-class product as we strengthen Indigenous employment, build on trade partnerships and maintain a healthy relationship with the Indigenous community. ”
Greg Erwin, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park chief executive
