Flavour of the Week
We unveil this week’s industry movers & shakers. Although that’s not to infer a velvet sheath with tassels was pulled off their heads.
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Announces Jeff Wagoner as President and CEO
Outrigger Hotels and Resorts today announced that Jeff Wagoner is joining the company as president and chief executive officer, effective April 26, 2018. KSL Resorts co-founder and CEO Scott Dalecio, who has been serving as Outrigger’s interim CEO since early 2017, has been appointed executive chairman of the global hospitality brand.
Wagoner joins Outrigger with wide-ranging hospitality leadership experience in both domestic and international markets. His previous appointments include executive vice president of hotel operations for Trump Hotels as well as several senior level positions within the Wyndham Hotel Group, including president Wyndham Hotel Group Management, EVP global brand services and president Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
Outrigger’s portfolio currently includes nine premium beachfront resorts in Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Guam, Mauritius and the Maldives – alongside 27 owned and/or managed hotels, resorts and vacation condominiums.
“It’s a tremendous time of reinvestment and growth for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and I am honored for the opportunity to be a part of this new chapter,” said Wagoner. “Building on Outrigger’s 70 years of hospitality, I look forward to enhancing and growing our portfolio while upholding the authenticity and integrity of this iconic brand.”
A new expert for Bench Africa
Bench Africa is very pleased to welcome Siobhan Pemberton as State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, a new addition to the Bench family. She will be replacing Cameron Neill who has moved into the newly created Trade Relations Manager position.
Siobhan has had a career specialising in African safaris in both reservations and on the road sales. This has afforded her many trips to the African Continent and has given her an extensive range of experience and first-hand knowledge as well as, most importantly, an accumulation of anecdotes and adventures.
With adventures ranging from safaris in East and Southern Africa, witnessing the amazing Victoria Falls, camping under the stars in the Namibian Desert to trekking to the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Siobhan has a passion for wildlife and conservation as well as the diversity, vibrant cultures and friendly people of Africa.
Treble Cone welcomes new Ski Area General Manager Toby Arnott
One of New Zealand’s most experienced and passionate snow sports professionals is joining much-loved Wanaka ski area Treble Cone as Ski Area General Manager.
A seasoned snow sports veteran with over 15 years’ experience in local and international ski areas, Toby starts in his new role at the end of this month.
The Queenstown born-and-bred local is renowned for his passion for the industry, delivering exceptional customer experiences and operational excellence. Having travelled the world as an international athlete he then started from the ‘ground up’ as a ski instructor in Queenstown before working to deliver elite level on-mountain events.
In his current role as General Manager of Snowsports at NZSki, he has been responsible for the strategic direction and overall operation of snow sports schools and management of over 400 staff.
Toby says he is “thrilled” to join the Treble Cone team as it celebrates its 50th winter season.
DriveAway Holidays is delighted to announce the appointment of Natasha Wahab as the new Trade Marketing Executive
Making the announcement, Chris Hamill, Managing Director of DriveAway Holidays complimented Natasha on her work to date within the business since joining in 2012.
“Natasha is a great woman who does some great work for our business. Her effort is second to none and she is one of those great team members that really cares about her work and her responsibilities. She thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
Natasha began her career with DriveAway in the reservations department and worked her way to a team leadership role and then into sales and marketing. She will play a vital role in DriveAway’s ongoing commitment to its trade partners and the industry as a whole.
Most recently, Natasha has been working in a co-ordinating role in the sales and marketing department with the Sydney based team.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Bench Africa driveaway holidays Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Treble ConeLatest 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.