Flavour of the Week
These industry guns are knocking our socks off. Did it help that we left them at the gym this morning? Maybe.
First Hyatt Regency in Bangkok fills two more leadership positions
The general manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit continues to round out his staff ahead of the hotel’s scheduled opening in September.
In recent weeks, Sammy Carolus has appointed Maria Sitanggang Director of Sales & Marketing and Wuthivet Vetchabutsakorn Director of Finance. Both Sitanggang and Vetchabutsakorn have more than 20 years of experience in their respective areas of expertise.
Sitanggang joins Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit after spending seven years at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai as its director of sales and marketing. She has also worked for Hyatt properties in Bali.
Vetchabutsakorn’s lengthy resume includes stints with globally recognized leaders in nutrition (Mead Johnson) and pharmaceuticals (P&G) as well as hospitality. Most recently he served Area Director of Finance – Asia for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts.
Amadeus promotes Cyril Tetaz to lead Airlines business in Asia Pacific
Amadeus today announces that Cyril Tetaz has been appointed Executive Vice President, Airlines, Amadeus Asia Pacific, with the responsibility of leading Amadeus’ Airlines business in Asia Pacific (APAC), effective April 2018.
Asia Pacific has been the fastest-growing region for Amadeus’ Airline business unit for the past five years. Today, most of the region’s major airlines use either one of Amadeus’ Passenger Service Systems (Altéa or New Skies), and in 2017 alone, 503 million passengers were boarded in APAC on airlines using either one of those systems.
Reporting to Julia Sattel, Senior Vice President, Airlines, Tetaz will lead the charge in continuing Amadeus Airlines’ growth momentum in the region, supporting and enabling APAC airlines in their ambitions to pursue growth, greater customer-centricity and digital transformation.
Former Concur executive Murray Warner joins Serko as John Challis steps up to global role
Serko Ltd., a leader in online travel booking and expense management for business, today announced that it has appointed former Concur executive Murray Warner to lead its Australasian business, and promoted John Challis to Head of Business Development to focus on global expansion.
This investment in leadership is designed to ensure Serko continues to grow its lead in the Australia and New Zealand markets while further establishing a presence in North America and Europe during 2018.
Warner (pictured) spent more than 15 years with Concur, most recently as Director Business Development Asia Pacific where he led Concur’s partnership distribution strategy across the region. John Challis was instrumental in building Serko’s customer base in Australia and New Zealand over the past decade, and his new role as Head of Business Development will see him take ownership for new market penetration and new partner development.
Scenic announces Discovery Team Leader for Scenic Eclipse
Scenic has announced the appointment of Kara Weller as Head Discovery Team Leader for Scenic Eclipse.
A qualified biologist, Weller holds a Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Biology and has spent the past 20 years, educating cruise passengers on the many highlights of Antarctica and the Arctic. Weller has extensive experience working as an expedition leader, naturalist lecturer and Zodiac driver on more than 150 cruises. She joins the Scenic Eclipse team from Silversea Expeditions.
On board Scenic Eclipse, Weller will be responsible for managing the 16 member Discovery Team, facilitating Zodiac and kayak excursions, guiding onshore explorations and hosting on board lectures on the Antarctic and Arctic regions. She will be assisted by a group of highly experienced naturalists, including a marine biologist, glaciologist, historian, orthnologist and geologist, as well as a fisheries and underwater expert, dedicated kayaking guides and Zodiac drivers.
Virgin Australia Group appoints Merren McArthur as CEO of Tigerair Australia
The Virgin Australia Group today announced the appointment of Merren McArthur as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tigerair Australia, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary and low cost carrier.
Since joining the Group in 2008, McArthur has held a number of key executive positions within the business, most recently holding the dual role of Group Executive of Virgin Australia Regional Airlines (VARA) and Virgin Australia Cargo.
She will commence in the role of CEO of Tigerair Australia on 7 May 2018. Mark Davey, currently VARA Head of Flight Operations, has been appointed to the role of VARA Executive General Manager. Mark has 30 years’ experience in the airline industry, having held executive level positions across the areas of network, operations and commercial strategy. Group Executive of Virgin Australia Airlines, Rob Sharp, will assume responsibility for Virgin Australia Cargo.
Ovolo Hotels bolsters its team with two key appointments
Award-winning, boutique design-led hotel collection, Ovolo, has created two new roles within its Australian operation including General Manager Brand Experience and Director of Operations Australia.
These two new roles will assist in its rapid expansion of the collection with the recent acquisitions of Inchcolm Brisbane, Hotel Hotel Canberra, and Emporium Brisbane, and to ensure the philosophies of effortless living, happy guests = loyal guests, F.U.N. (Fabulous. Unconventional. Never Boring) and effervescent experience are upheld – Ovolo designs hotels from a traveller’s perspective with smartly spaced interiors full of the latest tech, luxury hotel amenities and fresh fun-loving features.
Amanda Cottome takes on the role of GM Brand Experience alongside her current responsibilities as General Manager of Ovolo 1888. In this role Amanda will take on the strategic brand experience lead for Ovolo Hotels Australia ensuring the delivery on the brand philosophies through both the guest and team experiences.
Kieran Erasmuson (pictured) has been appointed Director of Operations, Australia. Kieran joins Ovolo following more than seven years’ experience at Event Hospitality & Entertainment having worked on a number of developments for their hotel businesses, predominantly working on QT Hotels and Resorts across operations and food & beverage in Australia.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
amadeus Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Ovolo Hotels scenic serko Virgin Australia GroupLatest News
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.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
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!