Flavour of the Week
The travel industry has scored a bunch of new hires. Which is good news for business, less so for office toilet wait times.
Helloworld Travel announces the appointment of Ana Pedersen
Helloworld Travel Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Ana Pedersen to the role of Global Director of Corporate Sales for QBT & APX.
Pedersen joins QBT/APX on 1 July and will bring the benefit of more than 27 years’ experience in the travel industry, most recently as Vice President – Large Market Global Sales for BCD Travel based in the U.S.
Prior to the VP role in the USA, Pedersen was Vice President Asia Pacific for BCD Travel based in Singapore. Pedersen’s Vice President experience has been over 10 years in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Earlier positions included BCD Travel in Australia, TQ3 Travel Solutions, Galileo and Qantas.
“Ana brings an enormous wealth of Corporate Travel Management experience in international and regional sales, distribution, hotel programs, account management and industry knowledge to this critical role helping the corporate business focus for the Helloworld Travel Group,” said Helloworld Chief Executive Officer Andrew Burnes.
“We are delighted to welcome Ana to the team here at Helloworld Travel. She has a proven track record in exceptional business development and has created strong established relationships within the global business community.
“Her international reputation is of the highest calibre and Ana will assist the Corporate Division to identify national, regional and global opportunities.”
“I am very excited about this new challenge,” said Pedersen.
“The QBT and APX TMC businesses have a very strong operation with great leadership, amazing people, first class service and outstanding technology solutions and we are looking forward to developing the business in Australia and New Zealand as well as expansion in North America, Asia and Europe.”
Wendy Wu Tours Announces New AU MD
Wendy Wu Tours, Australia’s leading Asia travel specialist, has appointed Andrew Mulholland as managing director for Australia and New Zealand.
Based in Sydney, Mulholland will continue working closely with global chief executive Joe Karbo to drive company growth, digital transformation and innovation across the entire company portfolio.
Mulholland has been pivotal to Wendy Wu’s success since joining in June 2016 initially as General Manager, and has been instrumental in achieving record growth in revenue of over 32 per cent year on year. In addition Mulholland has been leading the business transformation team enhancing strategic direction and integration across the business.
Mulholland said, “Wendy Wu Tours is in a really strong commercial position.
“Escorted touring, our key market, is one of the fastest growing travel sectors and a key reason why we’re significantly expanding our range of tours.
“It’s a privilege to be given this new opportunity with Wendy Wu Tours and to be leading our business through the next phases of digital transformation.”
Joe Karbo, Group Chief Executive said, “Andrew has really shaped our business over the last 12 months, proving to be a strong and dynamic leader.
“Andrew is uniquely qualified and experienced for this role and so I have every confidence that Wendy Wu Tours will continue on what has been a steady path to growth and transformation.”
Shangri-La Hotels And Resorts Announces Oliver Bonke As New President And Chief Operating Officer
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Oliver Bonke as President and Chief Operating Officer.
Reporting to Shangri-La Asia Limited Chief Executive Officer LIM Beng Chee, Bonke will assume responsibilities on September 1, 2017 and will be based at Shangri-La’s headquarters in Hong Kong.
In his capacity as President and Chief Operating Officer, Bonke will oversee the group’s Executive Vice Presidents responsible for regional hotel operations, as well as the operational division heads of Food and Beverage, Sales, Marketing, Rooms, Engineering, Security, and Quality Improvement.
“We are delighted to welcome Oliver and look forward to his arrival as the new President and COO of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts,” said Lim.
“With his proven strong leadership and operational experience globally, I am confident Oliver will drive excellence and lead Shangri-La through the next phase of the group’s development and strategy.”
Bonke has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently with Loews Hotels & Co. as Chief Commercial Officer. Loews Hotels & Co., headquartered in New York, is a luxury hotel brand comprised of 24 properties that it owns and operates in key urban and resort destinations across the U.S. and Canada.
Prior to joining Loews Hotels & Co., Bonke was Chief Commercial Officer for InterContinental Hotels Group in the Americas; he was also with Starwood Hotels and Resorts as Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing in Asia Pacific, and then in the same role with Starwood covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Sabre makes two leadership appointments
In its efforts to strengthen its team to better serve customers in APAC, Sabre Corporation, made two significant leadership appointments this week.
Axel Bench is appointed as Regional Director – Asia, and will be responsible for South Asia, North Asia and Southeast Asia. In conjunction with this appointment, the Sabre Airline Solutions business in the APAC region will be restructured into three regions:
- South Asia, North Asia and Southeast Asia led by Axel Bench
- Pacific region and Japan led by Scott Barratt
- Mainland China led by Peter Wu
Bench joins Sabre with more than 25 years of experience in senior Sales and Account Management roles.
Previously, he was the Global Sales Director for the Harris Aviation Solutions Group and has previously worked for such companies as Thales, ERA and Lufthansa Systems with a specific focus on Asia Pacific.
He rejoins Sabre, after having spent two years with Sabre Airlines Solutions (2005-2007) as Account Director for the Pacific region in addition to having sales responsibilities in Asia for some of Sabre Airline Solutions products.
Clayton Grant has been appointed Senior Account Director for Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Grant is an experienced Account Director who has been with Sabre for 4.5 years, and plays a key role in with several strategic clients such as Virgin Australia.
Grant has an extensive first-hand airline industry experience gained from his 12 years employment at Virgin Australia. At Virgin, he started at the Reservations department and spent majority of his career in Commercial and Revenue Management positions, until eventually becoming Manager of Revenue Management Development.
He has also recently completed studies in Aviation Management at Griffith University in Australia.
Wyndham appoints new SVP Legal and Compliance
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has appointed Liz Collinson in the executive role of Senior Vice President Legal and Compliance, based at the company’s Gold Coast corporate office.
Reporting to President and Managing Director Barry Robinson, as well as the US-based Wyndham Vacation Ownership General Counsel, Collinson will be responsible for providing strategic legal advice in respect of compliance with applicable securities and managed investment legislation, property and corporate acquisitions, consumer financing, commercial contracts and leases, hotel management and franchise agreements, dispute resolution, and employment and industrial relations matters.
The position oversees Wyndham’s Legal and Compliance team, which is domiciled across offices on the Gold Coast and Singapore.
Collinson joins Wyndham after almost three years as principal of her own firm, Elizabeth Collinson, Barrister & Solicitor. Previously, Collinson spent 12 years living in Singapore, with more than 10 years as Senior Vice President Legal and General Counsel at InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific.
Latest News
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Although it sounded like a pyramid scheme, Sell Your Way to the USA was probably worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teenagers can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
APT has launched its Australia 2025 program, showcasing two brand-new cruising experiences and a $5m refurbishment to APT’s exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge. The highlight of 2025 is Seabourn Pursuit, a purpose-built ultra-luxury ship offering all-veranda suites, exceptional dining, and a dedicated Expedition Team for an unparalleled exploration along the Kimberley coast. Also debuting in […]
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!