Norwegian Cruise Line’s groups team leader graduates from TIME program

Norwegian Cruise Line’s groups team leader graduates from TIME program
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Will Kaafi, Norwegian Cruise Line’s groups team leader, graduated from the 54th intake of the TIME program this week. 

    Mentored by Simon Bernadi, managing partner Australia and Beyond Holidays, Kaafi became the 3rd member of NCL’s APAC team to complete the program.

    As part of NCL’s longstanding Partners First philosophy the company is an invested supporter of TIME, so far sponsoring six travel industry scholarships across Australia and New Zealand – all mentees have now successfully graduated and benefited from the program.

    In addition, several of NCL’s Leadership Team are available as mentors including Angela Middleton, director of field sales and Ben Angell, VP & MD APAC, further demonstrating NCL’s commitment to investing in the trade community.

    “As both a mentee, mentor and huge believer in the benefits of TIME, I am thrilled to see Will successfully complete the program,” Middleton said.

    “TIME goes from strength to strength and is such a valuable opportunity to connect with and learn from others in the industry.  If you haven’t yet completed the program I would highly recommend it.”

    Will Kaafi celebrates as 3rd team member to graduate from TIME.

    Kaafi spoke of his involvement as a mentee.

    “TIME is the best thing I have done professionally,” he said.

    “My mentor, Simon Bernadi challenged me and opened my eyes to new opportunities and ways of approaching my career. Thank you NCL for your continued support in both my personal growth and professional career path to TIME for running such an incredible program!”

    Feature image: Simon Bernadi, managing partner Australia and Beyond Holidays & TIME mentor with Will Kaafi, NCL groups team leader at TIME Graduation Ceremony.

    Latest News

    • Destinations
    • News

    Singapore’s Changi Airport launches campaign to attract ANZ visitors

    Singapore’s international airport, Changi Airport has launched a new campaign for the region which highlights the extensive experiences on offer that make it truly extraordinary. For ANZ travellers, the tyranny of distance means that outside of the obligatory boarding pass Instagram post at the airport, there’s little joy to be found until we reach our […]

    • Destinations

    Tahiti Tourisme’s latest ad campaign, ‘Feel What We Feel Here’ focuses on local life

    Tahiti Tourisme has announced the launch of its latest initiative, the ‘Feel What We Feel Here’ campaign, designed to offer travellers an authentic and immersive experience of The Islands of Tahiti. This global campaign, featuring a hero film and a variety of tailored executions in 8 languages, invites the world to connect deeply with the Tahitian […]

    • Business Travel
    • Food & Beverage

    Sydney CBD’s Monopole restaurant resurges as a classic French diner

    Bentley Restaurant Group dynamic duo sommelier Nick Hildebrandt and chef Brent Savage are updating their Sydney CBD menu at Monopole creating a classic French diner. From today, after 12 years as one of a leading wine-focused bars and restaurants, Monopole will be a fully French restaurant with a new look dining room, a menu of […]

    • News

    What on earth is ‘rawdogging’? The unlikely travel trend taking over social media

    Most Australians, who are no strangers to long-haul flights, will know that inflight entertainment and food and drink options are just about the only things that make 20 hours+ of flying bearable. However, these inflight saviors are now under threat due to an unusual trend sweeping social media called ‘rawdogging’. Before you get too alarmed, ‘rawdogging’ […]

    • Destinations
    • News

    Think travelling alone makes you lonely? Think again – 50% of Aussies are planning solo trips

    If you think travelling alone is an activity reserved for the lonely, think again. Research from Webjet shows that solo travel has officially hit the mainstream with half (48 per cent) of Aussies planning a solo adventure in the next two years, and another quarter (25 per cent) hoping to take one soon. These travellers aren’t just seeking […]

    • Cruise

    Celestyal expands in the Arabian Gulf with a second ship from 2025

    Celestyal has announced new programs for 2025, 2026 and early 2027 including an expansion into the Arabian Gulf during the winter season which will see both ships cruising year-round for the first time.   The cruise line’s newest ship, Celestyal Discovery, will chase the sun to the Arabian Gulf for its first winter season from 2025, […]

    • EXCLUSIVE
    • News

    Bad exchange rate leads to a drop in Aussies travelling to the US

    When the New York Times runs an article titled ‘Where to get the most bang for your buck’ aimed at frugal travellers, Australia seems an unlikely option. But given the weak exchange rate, Australia appeared at the top of the list, in the article a fortnight ago, as an “unexpected” place to get value for […]

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hotels

    Vietnam’s Alma Resort welcomes executive chef Alan Rion

    Alan Rion, a seasoned chef with three decades’ experience working for some of the world’s leading restaurants and hotels in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, United States and Canada has been named Alma Resort’s executive chef. French national Rion has joined the 30-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula to […]

    • Events
    • First Nations
    • Food & Beverage

    Savour The Tweed is Australia’s newest premier food and drink event

    Savour The Tweed brings the region’s culinary excellence and unparalleled food and drink provenance to northern NSW, from 30 October to 3 November. The inaugural five-day celebration features a program of curated events to celebrate the region’s local produce and those who bring it to life. Partake in creations from passionate chefs, talented distillers, brewers […]

    • Family

    Holidaying families drop a rung in bid to ease cost of living pressures

    Prevailing financial stress and work demands mean people are looking for more cost-effective, flexible holiday options these school holidays, according to research conducted on behalf of BIG4 Holiday Parks. The research found that 76 per cent of Australians cite financial constraints as the primary limitation currently preventing them from travelling. More than half (54 per […]

    • Hotels

    Chief executive officer Dave Baswal to depart Ovolo Hotels  

    Ovolo hotels have announced the departure of chief executive officer Dave Baswal from his role, effective from the end of September. Baswal first joined the company in 2016, initially as director of finance & operations Australia, progressing through roles including COO and CFO, managing director, and ultimately assuming the CEO position in 2022.   During his […]

    • Hotels
    • Technology

    Amadeus introduces AI technology to modernise hotel business

    Travel technology provider Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to bring the power or AI to simplify hoteliers’ ability to search and understand business intelligence. Amadeus plans to incorporate Gen AI into an innovative new chatbot for its business intelligence suite, debuting with Agency360+.  The chatbot is powered by the Azure OpenAI Service and builds on […]

    • Attractions

    SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m

    The nearly finished luxury hotel and glamping resort inside Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been put up for sale Jayco caravan founder Gerry Ryan with an asking price of $50 million-plus. The Australian Financial Review reports Ryan acquired the 65.66ha site, in the Murraylands region 70km from Adelaide, from Zoos South Australia in […]

    • Aviation

    Avis and South African Airways announce partnership after relaunch of flights to Perth

    Car rental company Avis has announced a partnership with South African Airways (SAA) following the relaunch of its Perth to Johannesburg route after a four-year hiatus. “Avis is proud to partner with SAA to provide an integrated travel experience that ensures our customers receive the highest standard of service both in the air, and on […]

    • Hotels

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport officially open

    Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport were officially opened today, the largest hotel opening in Australia for 2024 so far. Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus, Accor Pacific COO Adrian Williams and Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements were joined by more than 120 people, including key industry stakeholders, for the official ribbon cutting and launch of […]

    • Cruise

    Crystal signs memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri

    Luxury cruise experience leader, Crystal, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri to construct two new, groundbreaking ships. The planned 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross tonne ship will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs that ensure unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Ship designs will be led by architectural firms, Studio […]