Here’s a list of new industry “movers & shakers”. Although a list of industry sloths & slowpokes would be markedly funnier.

Scenic Updates Sales Management Team

Scenic has announced two key management changes to its sales team, which will streamline service for its industry partners.

Effective immediately, Scenic’s National Sales Manager Emma Davie will step in to the newly created role of Commercial Sales Manager, while National Business Development Manager Rob Kalemba will take over from Davie as National Sales Manager.

Davie’s new role will see her manage consortia agreements, as well as product notifications and events, including information sessions and expos. She has been with Scenic for eight years, six as National Sales Manager, and prior to joining Scenic worked in the travel industry in both retail and corporate sales roles.

In his new role, Kalemba will manage the sales team and work with travel agent partners to maximise mutual sales growth. Kalemba has been with Scenic for five years, working as a Senior Business Development Manager, before taking on the national role, a position he also occupied in 2014. Prior to Scenic he spent 11 years in the retail travel industry.

New Head of Agency Sales

Continuing in its practice of hiring strategic thought-leaders, SureSave is pleased to welcome Matt Endycott as its new Head of Agency Sales. Endycott’s new role at SureSave will see him drive sales and growth for the travel insurance company, which already insures 300,000 Australians every year.

Endycott has more than 12 years of experience in the travel industry, working across brands including Virgin Australia, Insider Journeys and the Walt Disney Company.  He has an impressive record for implementing strategic change for businesses and brands.

“I’m thrilled to join the team at SureSave, which is dedicated to meeting the needs of our valued travel agency partners and ensuring their travellers can venture out and explore the world with peace of mind.

“I’m passionate about the importance of providing quality, Australian-based travel insurance, so I’m excited to join the team and I look forward to growing SureSave’s sales further,” said Endycott.

Tour East appoints Jeff Skinner to GM Australia role

Tour East Holdings has appointed Jeff Skinner to the role of general manager, Tour East Australia.

Announcing the news from Tour East Holdings, Singapore-based CEO & president, Shigeyuki Suzuki said Skinner would take immediate responsibility for all aspects of the company’s Australian international inbound operation.

The role will also include responsibility for the company’s Indian operation into Australia.

His previous appointments include general manager roles with Tourism Queensland, Territory Discoveries, the Sydney Aquarium Group and the Gazebo Hotel Group.

Immediately prior to his appointment with Tour East Skinner was director of the Dynamic Tourism Group and Chairman of the Global Tourism Network, organisations he founded in 2013.

QT Melbourne welcomes new Executive Chef Andrew Harmer

QT Melbourne is excited by the appointment of new Executive Chef, Andrew Harmer who will commence with the hotel beginning of October.

Well-known around Melbourne’s culinary scene, as Executive Chef at Vue de Monde and more recently The Point in Albert Park, Harmer will be overseeing the food offering at the designer hotel with initial focus to Pascale Bar & Grill.

Harmer hales from prestigious training in international restaurants including D.O.M with Alex Atala in São Paolo, Brazil.

“This is an exciting career progression for me.  I have worked in top kitchens around the world and helping contribute to the growth of the global contemporary travel movement and trend towards hotel restaurants is extremely exciting,” he said.

“Working with the incredible produce we have available in Melbourne and QT Melbourne’s rooftop garden, with the fun and professional brand that is QT Hotels & Resorts is going to be great.”

Boutique-style Colombo DMC here to support Aussie agents grow Sri Lanka business

Charismatic Tour Blue has just appointed Exposure Downunder to represent them in Australia.

Five years ago, Mark Snoxell’s love affair with Sri Lanka commenced as he journeyed the country and indulged in a private cooking tour for one.  That’s when he knew that this was more than just a fleeting holiday fling and decided he wanted to share this wonderful destination with like-minded people.

“What I did learn is, like the India market, what is promised by so many travel providers on the internet, couldn’t be more further from the truth in reality,” he said.

It’s taken Exposure Downunder more than a year to finalise a portfolio of Sri Lankan partners & products that Snoxell truly believes represent the company’s values and that suit its discerning network of industry professionals in both Australia & New Zealand.

North Queensland Airports (NQA) welcomes Tracey Groves to the position of Chief Commercial Officer 

The National Service of Tourism of Chile appoints GTI Tourism for representation in the Australian market 

The National Service of Tourism of Chile (SERNATUR) has appointed GTI Tourism to drive its sales, marketing and PR activities in Australia, effective immediately.

GTI Tourism will focus on trade engagement, consumer marketing and public relations to generate year-round interest and demand for holidays to Chile amongst Australians. The targeted strategy will also aim to increase length of stay and spend of Australian visitors, and overall position Chile as a standalone destination.

GTI Tourism managing director, Sarah Anderson said GTI Tourism looks forward to building the profile of Chile as a standalone destination for Australians.

“There is so much to do in Chile. It is a destination of varied and extreme landscapes, offering some of the world’s best adventure experiences,” Anderson Said.