There’s a whole bunch of flavours moving and shaking around the industry this week, so find your name and face and share it far and wide.

Uniworld’s new Sales Manager

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has appointed seasoned travel professional Hannah Wooden to the role of Sales Manager for VIC and TAS, boosting its national sales force.

With over 10 years’ experience in the customer service and sales sectors, Wooden brings her wealth of knowledge to Uniworld. This includes her role as Senior Travel Consultant for companies such as Down Under Answers Travel, Stella Travel Services and Harvey World Travel; and most recently at Singapore Airlines in their corporate division.

Fiona Dalton, Uniworld’s Manager Director of Australia, says of the appointment: “With her results driven background, we’re thrilled to have Hannah join the Uniworld sales team. Her solid experience in the travel industry will no doubt assist Uniworld in our continued growth and success in the Victoria and Tasmanian markets of Australia.”

Lindblad Expeditions scores new sales manager

Lindblad Expeditions has appointed seasoned travel professional Justin Southern to the role of Sales Manager for VIC, TAS, SA and WA; ultimately boosting its national sales force.

With over 20 years’ experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Southern brings his wealth of knowledge to Lindblad. A qualified UAV (drone) pilot, Southern’s belief is that travel is not just about experiencing new cultures and customs; but that it is also centred on sharing these moments through photography. Along with his skill in photography, Justin has also led many groups to incredible destinations such as Alaska, Turkey and Borneo; ultimately strengthening his new role with Lindblad Expeditions.

More specifically, with Southern’s nine years of experience as a State Sales Manager for Travelcube Pacific and experience as an Account Manager for United Airlines, he will no doubt assist Lindblad in continued growth and success across the Australian market through his knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Travel Associates appoints new GM

Travel Associates has announced the appointment of highly regarded travel professional Sally Sylvester to the position of General Manager.

Sally brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked for Flight Centre Travel Group for more than 18 years.

Drawn to the industry through a lifelong passion for travel, she began her career as a sales consultant, progressing through the ranks to team leader and then employing and developing staff as an area leader.

Prior to her appointment as GM for Travel Associates, Sally spent eight years in charge of strategic plans, deployment and follow through of the Flight Centre Brand Retail operation in New South Wales and the ACT.

Sally is passionate about connecting with customers, displaying a caring attitude and going that extra step for everyone.

“If you have to work, then this is the industry to work in,’’ she said.

CTM’s Scott Ward wins ATMC Travel Executive of the Year

Corporate Travel Management’s General Manager Victoria, Scott Ward, has been named this year’s Travel Executive of the Year, by the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) recognising him for industry best practice and innovation.

Now in its fifth year, ATMC’s Executive of the Year award acknowledges the industry’s top executive who has combined innovation and technology to drive best practice in their role.

Ward’s submission demonstrated his innovative approach to flybuys Travel.

Holiday Inn Suva appoints new GM

The Holiday Inn Suva is delighted to announce the appointment of Mohammed Feroz to the role of General Manager, to be based at the iconic hotel in the capital of Fiji – Suva city.

Mohammed comes from a diverse business background and Resort specific experience of six years with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

He Joined InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa in 2010 and worked through various assignments including Director Human Resources and was appointed to the role of Resort Manager in 2014 – a key role to lead and manage the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa’s day-to-day leadership and direction by maximising financial returns, driving development of people, creating and delivering a unique guest experience, including building awareness of Resort and brand in
the local community.

IHG is passionate about growing talented leaders – Mohammed was identified as a high potential and continued his development into the industry through various IHG initiatives, with the most recent one being the 2016 General Manager’s Programme, completed successfully in Bangkok.

Victoria Doidge Joins Event Hospitality and Entertainment

Event Hospitality & Entertainment (EVT), Australia’s premier entertainment, hospitality and leisure company is pleased to announce Victoria Doidge, former David Jones General Manager Marketing Communications and Sydney Opera House Director Marketing Communications, has joined the company in the role General Manager, Entertainment Marketing.

Victoria will lead the marketing of the entertainment division brands including Event Cinemas, State Theatre, Moonlight Cinemas and GU Filmhouse, amongst others.

“Victoria is a recognised marketer with a unique background that combines retail, entertainment and media underpinned by a strong record of innovation. We are delighted to have her join the team,” said Jane Hastings, Chief Operating Officer, Event Hospitality and Entertainment.

“Victoria’s previous roles have seen her developing strong, customer-centric brands with customer engagement that will be invaluable in ensuring our cinemas and other entertainment businesses stay the market leaders,” added Ian Sutherland, Group Director of Marketing.