Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Virtuoso makes changes at the top
August 5, 2024 – Virtuoso has named Paul Kearney as its new Senior Vice President and has realigned its senior leadership for its Digital, Network and Events Product divisions. Kearney will lead The Enterprise Technology divisionV. irtuoso says its investment in these organisational moves advances its commitment to developing tech-enabled solutions that enhance human connection – a long-standing focus of the organisation.
Virtuoso has consolidated all Digital Products under the leadership of Travis McElfresh, Senior Vice President, Digital & Consumer Products. McElfresh, who has been with the company for five years, will drive digital products and initiatives to achieve optimal product-market fit and superior value for Virtuoso’s network with a focus on user-centric design to meet the evolving demands of Virtuoso members, advisors and partners who cater to luxury travellers.
TravelManagers seeks new Trade Marketing & PR Executive
Marlene Lane has announced her departure from TravelManagers, effective 22 August 2024. The TravelManagers’ team says Marlene will be sadly missed, having achieved so much over her ten years in the business – beginning during the 2014 rebrand, and most recently establishing the trade marketing and PR role following Barry Mayo’s retirement.
TravelManagers is now on the lookout for a new Trade Marketing & PR Executive to fill Marlene’s shoes. If you think you have what it takes, click HERE!
New Area VP for Marriott ANZP
Marriott International has appointed Jason Nuell as Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand & Pacific (ANZP). Nuell, who has been with Marriott since 2003, will relocate from Singapore to Sydney this month.
With 20 years of experience across four continents, Nuell says he aims to build upon the solid pipeline of hotel agreements, work with property management teams to enhance brand awareness and guest experience, and drive owner returns across the portfolio, following the retirement of Sean Hunt.
Nuell’s career with Marriott has included various senior roles across Southeast Asia, China, India, the USA, and Europe. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Customer Experience and F&B Design Services Asia Pacific. His expertise encompasses brand strategy and management for Marriott’s lifestyle brands, and he has been instrumental in driving innovation within the company’s global brand management team.
SAA increases flights between Jo’Burg and Mauritius
South African Airways (SAA) has increased its number of flights to Mauritius to meet the growing demand from travellers between South Africa and the tropical island destination.
The national flag carrier relaunched its service to Mauritius in November 2021 with a daily morning flight. Now, SAA is adding another morning flight between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Mauritius.
Effective 1 December 2024, SAA customers will have the option of two daily morning departures from Johannesburg between the two destinations.
First flight, SA190 departs Johannesburg at 09h40, arriving in Mauritius at 15h40
Second flight, SA192 will depart Johannesburg at 10h45 arriving in Mauritius at 16h45 (local time)
The return flights from Mauritius, are as follows in local time
SA 191 departs Mauritius at 16h30, arriving in Johannesburg at 18h55
SA 193, departing Mauritius at 17h35, arriving in Johannesburg at 20h00
TOP IMAGE: South African Airways
Viking’s ‘new and improved’ agent portal
Viking has launched its new and improved Travel Advisor Portal (Viking.com/travel-advisor or myvikingjourney.com/agent), which is designed to provide advisors with the tools and resources needed to sell Viking. The updated platform offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the booking experience and streamline the marketing process. Advisor partners can access a wide range of tools, such as engaging marketing content and assets.
The Travel Agent Portal Guide will help agents navigate the new platform while the new Make a Booking and Manage My Bookings features are supported by a training video, introducing agents to the updates on the portal.
