Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers.
Sydney’s Luna Park appoints Mark Taylor as its new Tourism Manager
Pictured: Mark Taylor.
Sydney’s Luna Park has appointed Mark Taylor, a veteran of the industry, as its Tourism Manager, a newly created role that hopes to bring in more leisure and business tourism to the iconic theme park.
Taylor, who most recently managed visitor centres in The Rocks and Darling Harbour, will focus on expanding the profile of Luna Park Sydney in the local and international tourism markets as an amusement, restaurant, functions and meeting venue destination for visitors to Sydney.
Taylor has over 20 years experience in Australian tourism, with previous roles including Managing Director at Inbound Tour Operator Pacific Spirit Travel as well as holding senior sales positions with Accor and Thrifty Car Rentals.
Aircalin welcomes Chris Thistlethwaite as new Country Manager for Australia
Pictured: Chris Thistlethwaite.
New Caledonia’s national airline, Aircalin, has appointed Chris Thistlethwaite as its new Country Manager for Australia.
Chris was previously employed by Helloworld Limited where he held various roles including National Operations Manager and National Sales Manager for the Harvey World Travel Network. Chris has 17 years of experience in the travel industry in Sales, Management, Operations and Business Development.
Chris will now be heading up Aircalin, the international airline and proud ambassador of New Caledonia. The full service airline with a French touch offers 6 direct flights a week from Sydney, 3 from Brisbane and 3 from Melbourne to our closest pacific neighbour Noumea.
“During 2015 we have seen a +15.4% growth in tourism for New Caledonia from Australia and so far +6.8% vs 2015. Chris will continue to work actively with the destination, hoteliers and trade partners to promote New Caledonia highlighting all the great characteristics of Aircalin and the destination” said, Aircalin Product Marketing Manager, Nathalie Mermoud.
New GM and Director of Sales & Marketing at The Langham, Sydney
Pictured: Gaylord Lamy.
A couple of new appointments have been made at The Langham, Sydney, each bringing with them a wealth of industry experience. Gaylord Lamy has been made General Manager, whilst Lachlan Harris will take on the Director of Sales & Marketing position.
Gaylord Lamy is a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry with extensive experience spanning food and beverage as well as operations. Gaylord has been a valued member of The Langham brand since first joining in 2004 and has most recently served as the Director of Operations at The Langham, Chicago. The role saw him oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel, which included evaluating business procedures and implementing measures for improvement and growth.
Preceding his time as part of The Langham brand, Lamy worked heavily in food and beverage for exclusive Parisian hotels Le Meridien Etoile and Hotel Meurice. A French native, Lamy earned a degree in food & wine service from Versailles-based Lycee Tecomah on top of a degree in bartending from Lycee Auguste Escoffier in Cergy-Pontoise. Lamy’s dedication to experiencing and learning other cultures has taken him to Hong Kong, North America and now Sydney, Australia.
Pictured: Lachlan Harris.
Lachlan Harris has extensive experience in thehospitality industry ahead of joining The Langham, Sydney as Director of Sales and Marketing. Harris has a dual role and is also the Director of Sales – Australia for the Langham Hospitality Group.
Prior to joining The Langham brand, Harris worked at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts as Director of Sales and Director of Business Development – MICE and Incentives. In his most recent role, Harris was responsible for the implementation of Shangri-La sales management system, training programs and sales activity plans whilst concurrently overseeing the sales functions, marketing planning, revenue management, sales organisation and administration.
Centara says good morning to Mr. Luke Benbow in Vietnam
Centara Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort Danang, Vietnam has just expanded its expert staff with the addition of Mr. Luke Benbow as General Manager.
Mr Benbow first joined Centara Hotels & Resorts in 2010 as a Residence Manager at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi before being promoted to General Manager in year 2011 to take responsibility for the pre-opening of Centara Nova Spa & Hotel Pattaya.
Non Nuoc Beach itself is adjacent to both mountains and the resort itself is very close to heritage sites such as Hoi An, My Son Holy Land and to the scenic beauties of Marble Mountain, as well as to a variety of international golf courses.
Hong Kong Airlines announces first New Zealand General Manager
Daniel Yuen has been announced as Hong Kong Airlines’ first General Manager for New Zealand.
Yuen will lead the team in New Zealand, where the arrival of the airline’s inaugural flight into Auckland Airport took place today. Yuen takes his position in New Zealand, following his most recent role within the airline’s Sales & Marketing, based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Hong Kong Airlines, Yuen has also worked in operational management positions in the aviation industry.
Daniel has a wealth of knowledge and experience in aviation across international markets. In his new position, Daniel will oversee all operational sales and marketing strategies for Hong Kong Airlines in New Zealand.