By RANOBA BAOA
Additional information: ETravel
Blackboard
Tourism Fiji is reinforcing its commitment to the Australian travel trade industry by appointing new state managers in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
The state managers will be responsible for frontline agent training, agency updates, trade support and trade incentives.
This is part of the ongoing rebranding and repositioning of Tourism Fiji to take forward a fresh and comprehensive new strategy.
The State managers’ mission is to ensure that Fiji really is ‘Where Happiness Finds You’ no matter what your age, budget or interests.
Tourism Fiji chief executive, Rick Hamilton said: “With 333 islands dotted in sparkling turquoise waters, Fiji has something for everyone.
“Whether you’re looking for a romantic, couples-only island or the best kids’ clubs in the world, Fiji has it covered and our new State Managers will be delivering that message to the industry.
This follows the appointment of Carlah Walton as its new Regional Director Australia last September.
The state managers will work with Ms Walton to ensure Tourism Fiji is visible and accessible to the travel trade in all major source markets.
Experience
In New South Wales, Matthew Symonds brings a wealth of personal experience of Fiji’s natural beauty, having surfed some of Fiji’s most famous breaks.
Mr Symonds has a Bachelor of Tourism Management from the University of Technology Sydney and joins Tourism Fiji from Rail Plus where he served as the NSW/ACT sales manager for the past five years.
Karen Everingham, a skilled sales professional with more than twenty years experience across a wide range of industries, will be servicing the Queensland market.
Most recently she was the Client Development manager (QLD corporate) for Virgin Australia.
Ms Everingham has a broad skills background from her experience working with small businesses to top 100 Australian corporate companies across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne markets.
In Victoria, experienced sales manager David McMahon will be on the road reinforcing Tourism Fiji’s presence in the market.
Mr McMahon brings extensive tourism-industry experience to the role, having worked at Intrepid Travel for the past seven years, most recently as Business Development Manager for Victoria and Tasmania.
Tourism Fiji Australia-based management team. From left: Queensland state manager, Karen Everingham, Tourism Fiji Regional director - Australia, Carlah Walton, Victoria state manger, David McMahon and New South Wales State manager, Matthew Symonds. Photo: FACEBOOK