These industry guns are moving and shaking all over the place. And by that we mean taking on new roles, not engaging in a dance competition.

MTA appoints Kerryn Taylor to marketing-communications role

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has appointed highly experienced marcoms specialist Kerryn Taylor to the role of marketing communications manager.

Announcing the news, MTA CEO, Don Beattie said Taylor would take over full responsibility for all aspects of the company’s marketing and communication with immediate effect. Taylor joins MTA’s Gold Coast head office executive team fresh from a 16-month stint managing marketing communication for the ‘Get set for the Games’ program, an integral component of the highly successful marketing strategy behind the recent Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Prior to this Taylor spent 11 years with Eurostar International, her roles including project and events manager for the organisation’s London 2012 Olympic games involvement before being appointed international marketing manager in 2013.

She also has considerable retail experience having performed senior consultancy roles with New Zealand-based Gullivers Holidays in her native Christchurch and Pan Pacific Travel in London.

New appointment at DriveAway Holidays

DriveAway Holidays is delighted to announce the appointment of Caroline Ashmore as the new National Marketing Manager.

Ashmore comes to DriveAway Holidays with over 15 years’ experience in senior level marketing roles across Finance, Health & Well-being and FMCG with reputable companies such as Alberto Culver, Weight Watchers and Mortgage Choice. A marketing professional with strategic, brand, direct and digital marketing experience and a passion for developing brands.

With just over a month into her new role, Ashmore said, “‘I’m delighted to be leading the marketing function of Driveaway Holidays and working with such a passionate team. I’m new to this exciting industry and looking forward to helping bring an industry pioneer to the next level in the travel space”.

Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap introduces general manager Ashley Lai

Marriott International has announced the appointment of Ashley Lai as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap, its first Courtyard by Marriott in Cambodia. This represents Marriott International’s first Courtyard Resort in Cambodia, with a second hotel to follow when Courtyard Phnom Penh opens in the capital city later this year.

The brand’s flagship in Cambodia features modern Khmer architectural design, an innovative lobby space and contemporary room design, enabling guests to pursue both their personal and professional interests whilst visiting the seat of the ancient Khmer kingdom.

Ashley Lai has worked with Marriott International for 14 years, initially at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. In 2013 she transferred to the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and as Resident Manager she successfully increased the Brand Standard Audit scores, doubled upsell revenue and improved hotel rankings.

During her tenure, the hotel achieved many accolades and awards, including TripAdvisor’s 2015 Traveler’s Choice #1 Hotel for Families in Thailand and 2015 Top 25 resorts in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler US Reader’s Choice Awards. The appointment as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap is an exciting new chapter for Ashley as she brings her energy and passion to Cambodia for the first time.

Air New Zealand appoints Chief Ground Operations Officer

Carrie Hurihanganui is returning to Air New Zealand to take up the newly created Executive role of Chief Ground Operations Officer.

Hurihanganui had an 18 year career with Air New Zealand, most recently as Group General Manager Regional Airlines and Airline Operations, before leaving last year to join National Australia Bank (NAB) where she is currently Executive General Manager Customer Experience.

She will join the Air New Zealand Executive team toward the end of July to allow a smooth transition before Chief Operations Officer Bruce Parton departs in September. The organisational structure of the operations function is being split into two pillars – one focused on Ground Operations to be led by Hurihanganui and the other focused on Air Operations led by Chief Air Operations and People Safety Officer John Whittaker.

Divine Destinations to represent the new REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort

Divine Destinations has been announced as the Sales & PR representatives for the newly opened REVĪVŌ Wellness Resorts for the Australian market.

Nestled amidst the breezy hills of Nusa Dua in south Bali, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort is spread across 3 hectares of teak tree forest, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest and the Indian ocean.

Meaning “I’ll live again”, REVĪVŌ’s lush enclave is comprised of Balinese-style luxury suites and villas, a nutritious gourmet restaurant, bar and pool lounge, as well as best-in-class fitness and spa facilities. The resort aims to “soothe the spirit, rejuvenate the body and enrich the mind” through a complete mind journey composed of a blend of relaxation activities, spa and holistic medicine treatments and a personal food diet based on each customer’s nutritional needs.

While each retreat program can be tailor-made to suit individual wellness needs in terms of nutrition, holistic treatments and workouts, there is a regular schedule of three-14 day immersive programs to choose from depending on individual goals. The team at Divine Destinations are excited to be working with REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort Bali with its unique offerings and look forward to promoting the resort throughout the Australian market.

New business development manager for Norwegian Cruise Line in NSW and ACT

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is excited to announce the appointment of travel industry professional Aaron Christian as Business Development Manager for NSW & ACT.

Christian, who joined the company on 21 May, brings 18 years of industry knowledge and experience to the role which sees him operate as the key contact for Norwegian Cruise Line’s NSW and ACT based travel partners.

Christian previously worked for APT for over five years, with his most recent role at the company being the Groups and Channel Strategy Manager.

Commenting on his appointment, Christian said: “I’m delighted to commence my role with Norwegian Cruise Line at this important time for the company. I look forward to working alongside our valued trade partners, and further sharing what NCL has to offer, especially as we approach Norwegian Jewel’s second season in Australia.”