Midweek interview with Kaylene Shuttlewood
We chat to Travelport General Manager for the Pacific region.
The challenge for the industry is…
Adapting to new technology and embracing it. It can create great opportunities.
The things I like about my job…
Working for a global organisation with Pacific regional responsibility and leading a team of talented people.
And the frustrations are …
The sheer amount of emails I receive each day. It’s a great business tool, but it’s completely overused. I have a rule for my team: if I’m in my office and the door is open, nobody is allowed to send me an email. I always encourage them to come and see me, and have a conversation instead.
If I didn’t work in travel I would be…
Running a champagne bar, but I would have to ban all my friends, in order to make it a profitable venture.
Virgin or Qantas?
Platinum with both. I have friends at both airlines, and they get cranky at me when I’m not flying with them, but our company policy is to purchase based on price and flight time convenience. Compared to travel in the UK and the US, we are spoilt with the quality and standard of our inflight service and lounges.
My proudest moment was…
When I was based in London, I was part of the team that led the successful turnaround of the Stella Travel UK businesses (Travel 2, Travelbag, Global Travel Group). Although I had to make some tough decisions, I learnt a huge amount in this role.
The naughtiest thing I ever did was…
That will need to stay a secret.
I try to relax by…
Swimming, walking along a nice beach and socialising with friends and family.
The last time I feared for my life was…
Driving alone in Johannesburg to attend business meetings. That feeling of isolation and being a long way from anyone who knew I was in that city.
If I can, I always try to avoid…
Responding to emails late at night. I think responding to emails after a good night’s sleep would result in better replies.
I really wish I had…
Happy to say no serious regrets. Have not actually gone too much without to really wish having done anything differently.
The best advice I’ve ever received was…
Value your own personal reputation and the legacy you will leave behind.
I don’t understand why people…
Don’t follow up and do what they say they are going to do.
My greatest weakness is…
Saying no to a cheeky glass of wine.
And my greatest strength is…
Leading a team to deliver greatness and building valuable partnerships to help grow our customer’s businesses.
If I was prime minister I would…
Pay down our debt, make those that could, work for their welfare payments, and build some infrastructure in NSW.
If I won $1 million on the lottery I would…
Give a third to my chosen charities (Royal Flying Doctor Service, Breast Cancer and Guide Dogs for the Blind), a third to my nieces and nephews to get them started on the property ladder and send them away to become worldlier and experience travel. With the rest, I would pay off my mortgage, hire a villa somewhere fabulous like Mykonos and throw a big party for my friends and family.
If I could be someone else for one day I would be a…
Surgeon – save a life and do something really amazing and meaningful. Except I don’t like the sight of blood, so it might be difficult.
I’ve always wanted to travel to…
Cuba. There are still so many places I haven’t been to yet. But I will always love landing back in London, it’s like a 2nd home to me.
My favourite holiday was…
A girls trip a few years ago with Shirley Field from VA and Gia Acitelli from VS. Highlights included seeing Madonna in concert in Paris, private tasting sessions in Champagne houses in France and lunch in Madame Veuve’s private dining room.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
kaylene shuttlewood midweek interview travelportLatest News
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The NSW Choose Tourism Program, a $1.4 million campaign to encourage those pursuing a career in tourism is being rolled out across regional NSW. Funded by the Albanese Government and delivered by Destination NSW, the program will address industry workforce shortages by encouraging Australians to pursue a career in the visitor economy while helping operators […]
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
Virgin Australia has blamed the delayed delivery of ten Boeing MAX planes for the cancellation of its direct flights between Adelaide and Bali. The route is expected to relaunch on 9 June with the arrival Virgin’s latest batch of Boeing aircraft. Adelaide travellers can still make their way to Bali, although the trip will now […]
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
Join me on my personal review of the iconic Singapore Airlines’ A380-800 business class cabin. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious and spacious seating in any class, it’s sleek and fine interior reflects a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, promising instant luxury the minute you board. The configuration in business class is 1, 2, 1 […]
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
South African Airways will fly across the Indian Ocean for the first time since the pandemic today when the first of its relaunched Johannesburg to Perth flights touches down today. The South African Airways flights will connect 40,000 more passengers per year in each direction, between Perth and Johannesburg using Airbus A340-300s. Flight Centre Corporate […]
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
Emirates has unveiled a glimpse of its future with the news of a new base at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai overnight. Also referred to as the Dubai World Central, the airport is undergoing an AUD $53.3b refurbishment. Once complete, it will become the city’s main international hub with five parallel runways and 400 […]
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.