We unveil this week’s industry movers & shakers. Although that’s not to infer a velvet sheath with tassels was pulled off their heads.

Visit USA Organisation appoints PR & Comms Manager to heighten engagement

The United States travel trade tourism authority, Visit USA Organisation Australia has announced Lizzie Doyle of prMarketing as their new PR & Comms Manager, following a thorough RFP process in the Australian market.

Visit USA Organisation’s desire to have a dedicated PR & Comms Manager, is to provide additional support in member engagement and develop further interaction and initiatives for travel to USA in the Australian market place.

Lizzie Doyle is no stranger to North America, having worked with multiple Canadian clients for the past 20 years with many crossover initiatives into the United States.  Lizzie will commence with Visit USA Organisation on 1 September 2017.

Wendy Wu Tours Appoints Cameron Pritchard as Business Development Manager for Victoria 

Owner and GM Partner on Development of New Vietnamese Destination

When Vietnamese businessman Pham Van Hien set foot on Cam Ranh five years ago, he was struck by its unspoiled sands and waters, its dramatic headlands and offshore islands. A dream took root and has come to fruition in The Anam.

As The Anam took shape, Hien was on the lookout for someone to help launch a resort that would ultimately drive Cam Ranh’s reputation as Vietnam’s hottest new destination. 

 He found a partner in hospitality veteran Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, who stepped in as the resort’s general manager, a role not unfamiliar to the Austrian native who has served stints at the helm of Vietnam’s most acclaimed hotels and resorts, chiefly The Reverie Saigon and The Nam Hai.

With a team of more than 400 employees, the pair recently cut the ribbon on the 117-villa and 96-room resort that pays homage to both colonial-era and age-old Vietnamese aesthetics. The Anam’s host of world-class facilities includes a 10-treatment room spa, three restaurants and two bars, 3-D movie theatre, ballroom, conference facilities, gym, yoga room and deck, water sports centre, tennis court, putting green, kids club and three swimming pools.

Azamara Club Cruises appoints Carol Cabezas as new Chief Operation Officer

Azamara Club Cruises, the upmarket cruise line known for its destination-immersive voyages for discerning travelers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Cabezas to Chief Operation Officer.

Carol has been a part of the Royal Caribbean team for the last 17 years. During her time with the parent company she has held a variety of leadership roles across sales, finance and revenue management.

Most recently, Carol served as Vice President of Investor Relations for Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. Prior to that, Carol was AVP of National and Strategic Accounts, North America for Celebrity Cruises where she also served as Director of Sales Planning earlier in her career.

“It’s an exciting time to join the Azamara family,” states Carol Cabezas. “The Azamara product and offerings are unique in the cruise space and I welcome this opportunity to be a part of the evolution of the brand.”

Prior to her career at Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD, Carol was an Associate Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Dispute Analysis and Corporate Recovery team.

Going global for Diane Bignell at On The Go Tours

On The Go Tours, an award-winning tour operator specialising in locally led group tours and tailor-made holidays, is pleased to announce Diane Bignell’s promotion to Global Head of Agency Sales.

Diane began working for On The Go Tours in 2007, where she assisted in training and developing the Australian sales team from just herself as the sole Australian rep to the current nine reps in Australia and New Zealand.

Based in Adelaide, Diane’s new role will be to develop, train and support the On The Go Tours’ sales teams around the world with offices in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland and South Africa.

Highlights of Diane’s career include successfully producing local, preferred agreements in South Australia which lead to becoming the most productive territory in 2013-14.

Diane also has experience representing and growing the On The Go Tours business within South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Asia over her 10 years with the company. She also won ‘Best BDM of the Year’ for SANT as voted by consultants in a large retail chain.

Silversea prepares for continued growth, welcomes back Christian Sauleau

Silversea Cruises today announced it has rehired Christian Sauleau as Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations, overseeing marine, technical, hotel, crewing and entertainment for its nine-ship fleet, which is expected to grow further within the next few years.

Sauleau, who reports to the company’s CEO, Roberto Martinoli, has an extensive and impressive career in luxury travel, nearly 20 years of which were spent with Silversea.  Starting in the mid-1990s, he was instrumental in developing the award-winning company’s unsurpassed reputation for personalised service and hospitality.

“I’m delighted, honoured and proud to be returning to Silversea,” said Sauleau.  “I wish to thank both our chairman and CEO for this wonderful opportunity.  The company has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to collaborating again with this great team.”

Sauleau’s extensive career is highlighted by leadership positions with luxury cruise operators undertaking fleet expansions, where he was instrumental in the successful launch of several new luxury ships.  He is known for enriching the on-board experience with pioneering partnerships.

James Coleman joins Next Hotels as General Manager of Sage Hotel Adelaide & Chifley on South Terrace

Next Hotels has appointed James Coleman as the new General Manager to Sage Hotel Adelaide and Chifley on South Terrace, both conveniently located near the picturesque South Parklands in the city famous for its architecture, festivals and proximity to world-famous wine regions.  

James is a challenge-driven leader with over 15 years accommodation and hospitality experience possessing strong communication and interpersonal skills. Prior to joining Sage Hotel Adelaide & Chifley on South Terrace Mr. Coleman gained industry and management experience working with TFE Hotels and Far East Hospitality over the last 13 years in various executive roles, including Hotel Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager throughout the Asia Pacific region and most recently General Manager at Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore.

Commenting on his appointment, James Coleman remarked, “I am delighted to take the helm as General Manager of Sage Hotel Adelaide and Chifley on South Terrace presenting the very best in Australian hospitality. I am very pleased to bring my many years’ experience to one of the most innovative hotel brands, Next Hotels.”

James commenced his new role in Adelaide on August 29 2017 and will hold responsibility for overseeing all aspects of operations at the two hotels; day-to-day staff management and delivering excellent guest experiences.