Flavour of the week
See who’s moving, who’s shaking and who’s shimmying their way in and out of the travel industry this week.
Singita appoints Taryn Van Heerden as general manager: sales
Singita is delighted to announce the appointment of Taryn van Heerden as the new General Manager: Sales. Taryn is taking over from Caroline Burke, who is moving into a new role as Singita’s General Manager: Business Development.
After many years managing the global sales team, Caroline will now be focusing on business development and strategic, accelerated growth in new regions. This, as Singita expands its reach in pursuit of its 100-year purpose to preserve and protect large areas of iconic African wilderness for future generations.
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach Welcomes New General Manager
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach is delighted to announce that Jean Hélière has been appointed as the hotel’s new general manager.
Hélière began his career at IHG in 2013 at InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa as an executive assistant manager.
Treading his path at one of the world’s largest hotel groups—where he demonstrated his skills in leadership, effectiveness and efficiency in managing all aspects of hotel’s operations—his career quickly rose as he was promoted to General Manager at InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa in 2015, and was awarded General Manager of The Year in 2018 by InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Southeast Asia and Korea.
Ovolo Hotels set for future growth with the appointment of group director F&B
Designer hotel collection, Ovolo Group today announced the appointment of their new group director of food and beverage, Vincent Lombino who will oversee the restaurant and bars across both Ovolo Hotels and micro-hotel concept Mojo Nomad.
Vincent will work with the restaurant’s collaborating culinary partners which include renowned chefs Justin North, Ian Curley & Hetty McKinnon, executive chefs and bar managers to curate exciting and innovative menus that reflect Ovolo’s philosophy and offering. He will also focus on new developments across the hotels, creating vibrant new concepts and implementing the highest standard.
Sabre appoints Sean McDonald as vice president, online travel for its Travel Network business
Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) has appointed Sean McDonald to lead worldwide sales, commercial operations, business development and solution delivery for online travel agencies (OTAs), metasearch engines and other digital travel companies for its Travel Network business.
In his role, McDonald will build upon the company’s proven results in the online segment and help accelerate growth by winning new customers and increasing the company’s footprint with current accounts.
McDonald comes to Sabre from a role as chief commercial officer at BD4travel, a technology company that delivers AI-driven personalisation and conversion enhancement solutions to online travel companies. Prior to that, McDonald was chief sales officer at Secret Escapes, and served as senior vice president of sales at Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN). In his new role, McDonald will be based in Sabre’s London office and will report to Roshan Mendis, chief commercial officer of Sabre Travel Network.
The Unique Tourism Collection Appointed Australia and New Zealand Representative for The Table Bay, Cape Town
The Unique Tourism Collection has been appointed Australia and New Zealand representative for The Table Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Sydney-based travel and tourism marketing and communication specialist will be responsible for sales, marketing and media activity working closely with industry partners and media and developing strategic opportunities for driving business from Australia and New Zealand to The Table Bay.
The Table Bay is part of Sun International’s premium SunLux Collection of hotels and touted as Cape Town’s Best Address. Set on the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with the working harbour, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean providing its backdrop, The Table Bay offers convenient proximity to Cape Town’s business centre and tourist attractions.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Flavour of the Week industry appointmentsLatest News
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APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
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ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
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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
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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!