Flavour of the Week
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.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
dmc Exposure Downunder GTI Tourism North Queensland Airports QT Melbourne scenic suresave Tour Blue Tour East Australia Tourism of ChileLatest News
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) names accommodation excellence award winners
Think blowing up the airbed for your mate qualifies as accommodation excellence? Think again.
Abercrombie & Kent launches Peruvian riverboat tour
If you think being left at a port is scary? Imagine being stuck in the Amazon.
Club Med Bali reveals last-minute group travel deal
If you haven't frolicked across a beach in Bali with your colleagues have you even lived?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises grows sales team across Australia & New Zealand
It is only Monday and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already announcing hires. Great stuff!
Out of the Ordinary Outback offers caravanners and campers a free night
It's the perfect getaway if your neighbours are starting to drive you a little insane.
Luxury Escapes reveals third signature series tour with Miguel Maestre
We would recommend reading this after lunch, otherwise you risk slobbering at your desk.