Flavour of the Week: Hilton appoints new GM, management change at CTM, Tourism Solomons CEO’s new role + more
Here’s the latest movers and shakers in the travel industry. As in those who have new roles – not epic dance moves.
New cluster GM appointed for DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in NT
Hilton has welcomed Todd Grierson (pictured above) as cluster general manager, with responsibility for the management of DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.
Grierson was previously the GM for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. He brings with him 16 years of tenure with Hilton, having started his career as assistant restaurant manager at Hilton Cairns before working his way through to general manager.
Corporate Travel Management makes senior management change
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has announced that its global chief financial officer, Steve Fleming, will now focus directly on the company’s European operations.
Fleming has been deeply involved in transitioning the acquisition of UK company Redfern Travel into the CTM group, and will be based in London as CFO for Europe.
Consequently, CTM is searching for a new global CFO. Fleming will continue in his current role until the appointment is made, and will support the transition process for the successful candidate.
Tourism Solomons CEO joins Pacific Asia Travel Association board
The CEO of Tourism Solomons, Josefa “Jo” Tuamoto, has been invited to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) executive board, becoming the first Fijian to achieve the honour.
The move follows Tuamoto’s attendance at the PATA Annual Summit 2019 in the Philippines last week where, taking part in a leadership debate, he gave an impassioned presentation on the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 8: ‘Sustainable economic growth and decent jobs for all’.
New Caledonia Tourism appoints MICE business development manager for Australia
New Caledonia Tourism has announced the appointment of Jackie Caldwell as its business development manager for MICE in Australia.
Effective immediately, Caldwell will oversee the growth of the destination’s MICE business within the domestic market.
Caldwell steps into the role with more than 30 years’ experience in the business events industry in Australia.
She commenced her career as a conference and event coordinator in Sydney with ICMS Australasia, before taking on high-profile roles at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Michael Johnson takes the reigns at Tourism Accommodation Australia
Respected tourism industry hotelier Michael Johnson has formally taken up the reins at the accommodation sector’s peak body, Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).
The former general manager of the PARKROYAL Parramatta, and a previous NSW board member of TAA was appointed CEO of TAA nationally and for NSW in March.
Johnson officially started in his new role on Monday, saying 2019 marked a “new era” for TAA, which also has new multi-million-dollar top floor offices in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Divine Destinations appoints Victorian sales manager
Divine Destinations has announced the appointment of Emily Williams as its sales manager for Victoria.
Williams’ travel career began at Thai Airways International in 1995. She then became a retail travel agent for Destination HQ for nearly 20 years, where she was co-director for the last five years. In 2017, she left and became the distributor for Genesys Marketing in Australia.
Ben Johnson named sales and marketing director of the year at global Outrigger awards
Ben Johnson has been named ‘2018 Director of the Year – Sales and Marketing’ at the Outrigger Hospitality Group’s ‘The Outrigger Way’ annual awards ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The global awards recognise significant contributions to Outrigger’s success in the past year, along with dedication and commitment to living the company’s values.
Well-known for his signature beard, unique sense of humour and his infectious laugh, Johnson joined Outrigger as area director of sales and marketing for Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island in November 2015.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Ben Johnson corporate travel management ctm Divine Destinations doubletree by hilton DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin Emily Williams Flavour of the Week hilton Jackie Caldwell josefa tuamoto Michael Johnson New Caledonia Tourism outrigger Pacific Asia Travel Association pata Steve Fleming taa Todd Grierson tourism accommodation australia Tourism SolomonsLatest News
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!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
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.