There’s a ton of industry movers and shakers this week, folks. And if this doesn’t make you motivated to do better, join the rest of us asleep at our desks.

MTA’s Wendy Brockbank moves into top gear with F1® Experiences appointment

Mobile Travel Agents’ Wendy Brockbank has been appointed Official Australian Sales Agent for the high-profile Formula 1® hospitality and travel program, F1® Experiences.

An absolute must for die-hard Formula 1® fans, F1 Experiences provides a host of unique access programs only available via the organisation’s official ticket packages.

Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services becomes Linkd Tourism

Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services (APTMS), well known for sales and marketing representation in Australia and New Zealand, today reveals its new trading name, Linkd Tourism, as part of a company rebrand.

Owner and Managing Director, Kylee Kay, purchased the company in 2009, and in the last decade has led the business from a sales and reservations office primarily for touring product, to a full service representation agency for a mix of travel brands, whilst successfully retaining its long-term clients, such as Alamo Rent A Car, which has been a partner for more than 30 years.

A new office was also opened in the Surry Hills area of New South Wales at the end of December, solidifying Linkd Tourism’s expanding Sydney-based team. The new year also signalled a relocation of the company’s existing head office in Burleigh Heads.

A new website, www.linkdtourism.com, is now live, which sees a complete refresh of the previous APTMS website to become more user-friendly and optimised for mobile.

The website retains its agent log in portal which previously set the representation agency apart from its competitors, with a full suite of training materials and webinar content for its range of clients.

Giles Gilbert Returns To Run Malaysia Airlines In ANZ

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MH) is delighted to announce the return of Mr Giles Gilbert as Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

With 25 years experience in senior executive management positions in airlines, spanning three continents and six different airlines – 15 of those years spent previously at MH – Giles will bring a wealth of knowledge to his role, along with a fresh innovative approach to managing the ANZ operations.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to lead the Airline into what is going to be a very challenging and exciting period, and we hope to see MH’s recent success continue strongly,” said Giles.

VOMO Island Fiji GM Departing

VOMO Island Fiji will bid a sad farewell to longstanding resort GM Mark Leslie and his family in March.

Mark is moving on after 6 years at the luxury resort with some significant achievements to his credit.  These include the complete refurbishment of the villas in 2015, the opening of the 5 star PADI Dive centre and Kui Spa, followed closely by the significant rebuild after Cyclone Winston in 2016.

During Mark’s tenure he has also opened the two luxury Palms and BeacHouse multi bedroom residences, with a further two residences in progress, due for completion in early 2020.

VOMO’s new General Manager, Justin King, starts in April.  Justin has previously managed an island resort in the Yasawa region, so is no stranger to Fiji.

Gate 7 partners with AmericanTours International 

Sydney’s multi-award-winning travel marketing and tourism representation agency Gate 7 continue to lead the charge when it comes to US representation in the Australian region, today announcing their appointment by AmericanTours International (ATI) as its in-country representation office.

Gate 7 will oversee trade marketing activity for ATI, which now joins the agency’s existing portfolio of high profile US destinations, including Visit California, Brand USA, Greater Palm Springs, Visit West Hollywood, San Francisco Travel and more.

Active in the Australian market for over forty years, ATI is the leading inbound tour operator in North America, inviting visitors to experience their unmatched selection of Visit-USA programs.

Norwegian Cruise Line in Queensland gets a new business development manager 

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the appointment of travel industry veteran, Craig McLaurin, as Business Development Manager for Queensland.

Craig, who joined the company in December, brings over 20 years of travel industry knowledge and experience to the role, where he will operate as the key contact for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Queensland based travel partners.

Craig previously worked for MSC Cruises, where he was a Business Development Executive.

Evolution Travel Collective announces regional sales team

Evolution Travel Collective have just announced their inaugural sales team of Business Development Managers for Australia with Belinda Ward heading up the team as General Manager of Sales.

Ward also joins the ETC leadership team with over 20 years of industry experience most recently with G Adventures, including a stint as MD, and prior to that senior management roles with both Peregrine Adventures & Flight Centre Travel Group.

Ward will lead the team of Business Development Managers which will start with three highly experienced Travel Industry staff along the East Coast of Australia. Kate Hudson joins the team as VIC/TAS BDM, Andrew Eddy as NSW/ACT & Anji Johnson will look after the state of Queensland.

BIG4 appoints Mohit Bhargava, one of Australia’s leading CMO’s, as new GM Sales & Marketing

Mohit Bhargava, one of Australia’s most respected and innovative marketing executives, has been appointed as the new GM of Sales & Marketing at BIG4 Holiday Parks of Australia (BIG4).

Bhargava joins BIG4 from Village Roadshow where he has been the General Manager – Marketing & Sales at Village Entertainment & Topgolf Australia for 5 years. Prior to that he was also a senior digital marketer with Nova Entertainment.

He was recognised in 2018 as one of the Top 15 Chief Marketing Officers in Australia as part of the prestigious annual CMO awards.

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort Appoints Sherrilyn Charles as Director of Sales & Marketing

The  Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, a stylish luxury beachside resort on the stunning white sands of Non Nuoc beach, is pleased to announce that industry veteran Sherrilyn Charles has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing.

A seasoned hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience, Sherrilyn brings a strong business development background that will position her to grow the resort’s business across Asia and beyond.

Singita appoints sales representative for Australia and New Zealand

Singita is delighted to announce the appointment of Léa Seguier as sales representation for Australia and New Zealand, from 1 February 2019.

Léa is based in Australia and represents Singita exclusively, working closely with Caroline Burke to develop this market and look after valuable trade partnerships in the region.

G Adventures announces Matt Drummond as new Director of Sales

G Adventures is pleased to announce a new addition to its Australian senior leadership team, with the appointment of Matt Drummond as Director of Sales for Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately.

Matt brings over 14 years industry experience in both wholesale and retail to the Director of Sales role and has recently celebrated his 10 year anniversary as part of the G Adventures team.

For the past five years, Matt has served as National Sales Manager for G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, leading a passionate team of Global Purpose Specialists (GPSs).

The collective focus of the trade sales team will continue to be to provide outreach, education and sales support for the Australian and New Zealand travel trade.