Flavour of the Week
Say hello (or goodbye) to the movers and shakers of the past week. The travel industry couldn’t be a better place to work, we say.
Wendy Wu Tours Appoints Sarah Arane as BDM NSW & ACT
Asia tour operator Wendy Wu Tours is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Arane as Business Development Manager for NSW & ACT.
Sarah joins the team with 3 years’ experience in Business Development, her most recent role at Cover-More Travel Insurance. In 2015, Sarah was a finalist for the NTIA Awards in the BDM Rookie of the Year Category.
On the appointment, Wendy Wu Tours Australia Head of Sales, Vara Glover said, “I am very excited to welcome Sarah to join the team at Wendy Wu Tours.
“As industry leaders in Asia, a strong relationship with the trade remains very important to us, and I look forward to working with Sarah to support our partners in growing their business”.
Arane said of her new role, “I love the endless potential and growth that the travel industry offers. I’m excited to be joining the Wendy Wu Tours Business Development team, and can’t wait to see where this adventure goes!”
Capella Hotel Group appoints Fernando Gibaja as General Manager of Capella Singapore
Capella Hotel Group has appointed Fernando Gibaja as General Manager of Capella Singapore with effect from 12 June 2017.
Equipped with vast industry knowledge and insight, Gibaja brings to Capella Singapore over 20 years of extensive international experience in hotel operations, development and management.
Most recently, Gibaja was the General Manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel & Spa, a luxury hotel located on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. Prior to his tenure with the Jumeirah Group for the last seven years, Gibaja has held a number of senior leadership positions across the globe with Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton.
“I am delighted to welcome Fernando to the Capella family. It is my privilege to work with a team of like-minded hoteliers such as Fernando, who share the same core values and philosophy as stated in our Capella Canon,” said Nicholas M. Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Capella Hotel Group.
“With years of experience in the luxury segment to his credit, Fernando will play an instrumental role in leading Capella Singapore to even greater heights.”
Royal Caribbean Signs on First Chief Meteorologist
Casting a watchful eye on the world’s weather around the clock is a tall order, and James Van Fleet is the meteorologist for the job – the first of its kind in the cruise industry.
Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist develops forecasts for the cruise line’s fleet of 24 ships. Translating technical data into digestable information is second nature for Van Fleet, who’s a veteran TV meteorologist with more than two decades of experience.
With his guidance, captains have the added support to continue making informed decisions and delivering the best possible vacation experience for the cruise line’s guests.
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Appoints New Director of Sales & Marketing
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort boasting 315 beautiful over-water villas is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Vivian Choa as Director of Sales & Marketing, effective immediately.
Choa brings with her a wealth of international knowledge, with over 18 years experience in the sales and marketing industry. Prior to her appointment with AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Choa held various successful tenures with leading hotel groups, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Hotels Worldwide.
This extensive experience has also seen her manage cluster teams, hotel openings and achieving an exceptional milestone by increasing corporate transient performance by 17 per cent in 2016.
With strong proven sales abilities, management skills and energetic mindset, Choa will now be the driving force behind AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort’s sales and marketing initiatives, ensuring continuous business growth specifically within the MICE segment.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Choa will oversee and direct the company’s sales initiatives, which is expected to increase up to 10 per cent YoY as part of its continued growth strategy.
Wagner takes charge of Louis T Collection’s Thailand hotels
Seasoned hotelier Niklas Wagner is set to guide Louis T Collection through its next phase of development in his role as director of operations for the group’s latest hotel debut and a newly renovated property.
Wagner joins the hospitality and building solution’s team at a pivotal time with the opening of Hotel Bocage in Hua Hin, and the re-opening of the collection’s flagship hotel, Mantra Samui Resort, on the idyllic island of Koh Samui.
In addition to his overarching role as director of operations of both properties, Wagner will also assist the group on food and beverage concepts and operations, a role in which he’s keen to manifest a guiding philosophy of Louis T.
“A Louis T hotel is a unique, independent hotel that’s driven by human interaction,” said Wagner.
“After all, truly happy guests remember the individuals and experiences that made their stay special and that’s what our team delivers.
“I want to lead teams that can pivot quickly to adjust to changing guest behaviours without being restricted by corporate structures and over complicated procedures. We should be evolving constantly and avoid being stuck in the status quo.”
Before embarking on his journey with Louis T Collection, the German-native held senior management roles with Four Seasons and Hyatt in America, Qatar, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Korea and in his hometown Hamburg.
“Niklas is a very dynamic individual with a fine appreciation for food and beverage and flair with people,” said Grant Healy, CEO of Louis T Collection.
“He is also very business savvy and will play an important role for Louis T Collection. What stands out with Niklas’s professional background is that he has pursued a career with some of the best chain hotel groups as well as ventured into his own entrepreneurial efforts in the freestanding restaurant space”.
Another Wendy Wu appointment – Jan Ta’ale as Operations Manager!
Wendy Wu Tours is delighted to announce the appointment of Jan Ta’ale to the role of Operations Manager.
Ta’ale joins the Wendy Wu Tours team with an extensive background within the travel industry with a specialisation in operations, reservations and “hands-on” experience in managing system changes.
Over the past 12 years, Ta’ale has held management positions with companies such as Newmans, Garuda Orient Holidays, Jet Abroad, Explore Holidays, Carlson Marketing Worldwide and Skimax.
On the appointment, Ta’ale said, “I’m so proud to be joining the Wendy Wu Tours team, who have such an excellent reputation in the industry. I look forward to utilising my experience to project the Operations Team into an exciting new era”.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Capella Hotel Group Flavour of the Week Louis T Collection Royal Caribbean Cruises wendy wu toursLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!