Flavour of the Week: Tourism Training Australia’s new exec, former NCL sales boss joins Travel Associates + MORE!

This week’s seen a heap of appointments across the industry. Lucky for you, we’ve brought together all those who didn’t get a standalone mention here.
Tourism Training Australia hires new exec
Julian Harniman has been appointed as Tourism Training Australia’s new executive officer. Harniman joins the organisation after previous employment as head of public affairs and communications at Restaurant & Catering, and head of government relations and communications at the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
Harniman has also held a position as adviser to Bob Baldwin, former Shadow Federal Minister for Tourism and Regional Development.
Travel Associates appoints Nicole Costantin to lead ASPIRE
Nicole Costantin (pictured above) will lead Travel Associates’ new brand and product platform, ASPIRE, as general manager.
With a strong history in the leisure, travel and tourism industry, Constantin will be responsible for developing, launching and managing a comprehensive range of curated luxury leisure products and client benefits under the newly created ASPIRE brand.
She joins Travel Associates with an impeccable 30-year history in the industry, most recently following a successful two-decade stint at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) as vice president of sales.
The ASPIRE program will form the backbone of Travel Associates’ own product range, delivering curated holiday experiences for individual Travel Associates clients, as well as exclusive bonuses and valuable additions such as guaranteed room upgrades, signature experiences, customised service, and sought-after amenities.
Flourish secures Avalon Airport PR account

Pictured (L to R): Flourish creative director Phil Ceberano, Avalon Airport executive chairman David Fox, and Flourish managing director Angela Ceberano
The new decade has taken off for creative communications agency, Flourish, after winning the public relations, creative content and social media account for Melbourne’s Avalon Airport.
The agency will be responsible for taking the brand to new heights and creating awareness to the many great and unknown benefits that come with travelling by Avalon Airport, which is owned by the Linfox Group.
Working as an extension of its marketing and communications team, Flourish will develop and implement a high impact strategy to drive brand awareness and create further foot traffic for the humble airport located just 50kms from Melbourne CBD.
The new appointment coincides with Avalon Airport’s next generation of growth, with its first flight from Bali with Citilink Indonesia touching down in late January. The business has also enlisted one of Australia’s most loved personalities Shane Jacobson to spearhead its marketing campaign in 2020.
Tahiti Tourisme selects Nouvelle Vague Marketing as new representative agency for ANZ
Sydney-based Nouvelle Vague Marketing has been appointed to represent Tahiti Tourisme and promote the Tahitian islands in Australia and New Zealand.
The organisation is expected to bring a new approach and fresh perspective to the promotion of Tahiti in the region.
Abu Dhabi renews partnership with Sojern and Spark Foundry to drive tourism
Sojern has announced a new partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, building on its already established relationship with the emirate.
While the department has been working with Spark Foundry and Sojern since December 2017, the new partnership will see it incorporate Sojern’s real-time travel audience targeting capabilities directly into its ad-buying system, or DSP (Demand Side Platform), offering increased transparency and control over digital marketing campaigns.
CROSSROADS Maldives appoints new cluster director of sales and marketing

Audra Arul
CROSSROADS Maldives announced the appointment of Audra Arul as cluster director of sales and marketing for the complex, with responsibilities encompassing its two newly opened hotels: SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
Audra Arul comes to CROSSROADS Maldives to continue a successful career which has focused on hotel sales and marketing with internationally recognised hospitality companies, including Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, and most recently, with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.
In her new role, Arul will be responsible for the overall commercial objectives of CROSSROADS Maldives and the two resorts, including achieving goals in revenue generation, yield management and brand engagement.
Mackerel Islands appointed as new management operator of Karijini Eco Retreat
Mackerel Islands Pty Ltd, a WA owned award-winning hospitality company specialising in accommodation and tours in remote and unique locations in regional Western Australia, has been appointed as the new management company of Karijini Eco Retreat, owned by Gumala Enterprises Pty Ltd.
Following a competitive tender process, the management contract was awarded today 6 February 2020, to Mackerel Islands’ subsidiary Karijini Adventures Pty Ltd, with the handover to take effect on 1 March 2020.
CWT appoints Nick Vournakis to head-up newly expanded Global Customer Group
B2B4E company CWT has announced the appointment of Nick Vournakis as head of the CWT Global Customer Group.
This newly expanded position will encompass his existing responsibilities as president of CWT Sato Travel, CWT’s military and government division, as well as assuming responsibility for all of CWT’s global customer accounts.
Under the title of managing director Global Customer Group, and taking effect from 1 July 2020, Vournakis will continue to report to Kelly L. Kuhn, CWT’s chief customer officer.
Current Global Customer Group lead, Cathy Voss, will be appointed to a new role of senior strategic advisor, as she transitions towards retirement, having handed over to Vournakis. With effect from 1 July 2020, in her new position, she will support strategic commercial initiatives for the customer organisation, and continue to report to Kelly L. Kuhn.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
agent wrap Flavour of the Week Flourish Julian Harniman Nicole Costantin Nouvelle Vague Marketing Sojern Spark FoundryLatest News

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils
TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil
TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events
AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade
Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar
Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.

Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.

Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.

Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.

Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.

Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
These freaked us out when we first saw them, almost as bad as the contents of the fridge after we returned from leave.

David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
We hope Monsieur Fraser is catching up on his French as he will no doubt be dealing with HQ.

A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.

Minor Hotels unveils Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treated like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.

Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
These resorts are built on reclaimed land made with sand, fortunately there is plenty of it.

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
Let's hope the words 'You are on mute' will never be uttered ever again.

Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.

AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.

Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.

Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!

Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.

Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.

CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.

South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.

Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!

WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.

Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!

NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.