Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie appointed as chair of TRAVLR

Former ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie appointed as chair of TRAVLR

Travel tech company, TRAVLR, recently announced the appointment of former ABC managing director, Michelle Guthrie (featured image), as the new chair of its board, alongside advisor and investor, Matt Berriman taking the role of non-executive director.

The announcement comes after TRAVLR’s recent $6.7 million pre-series B cap raise and struck a deal with BBC Global News to launch a travel marketplace.

The new board will work with TRAVLR’s CEO, Simon te Hennepe, to expand the company’s brand into the US and UK markets.

Guthrie brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I join the team at TRAVLR where I can draw on my experience to support the achievement of TRAVLR’s vision to change the way people discover, book, and experience travel in Australia and around the world,” she said.

“Media companies are always looking for ways to engage with their potential and existing audiences by continually diversifying their offering in an ever-changing competitive environment.

“Never before have I seen such a unique and progressive opportunity to bring brand content to life and drive new revenue streams for the media industry,” said Guthrie.

Guthrie’s sentiments were echoed by Berriman as he also sees huge potential for growth at TRAVLR.

“TRAVLR is a revolutionary platform with endless reach opportunities and unique
technological capabilities,” he said.

“Our growth trajectory is testament to the growing demand for media brands to create tailored experiences which speak directly to travel-hungry audiences.

“TRAVLR is on the fast track to becoming a leader in travel technology and I look forward to supporting its innovation to achieve long-term global success,” said Berriman.

Alongside the BBC, TRAVLR has recently established partnerships with Network 10 (10Travlr.com.au) and Stuff.co.nz, (Stuff Travel), alongside launching the MTV Travel (MTVTravel.com) and Nickelodeon Travel (NickTravel.com) platforms.

With travel resuming in Australia over the next few months te Hennepe said that it was the optimal time to drive the TRAVLR business forward ahead of what he anticipates to be a busy 2022 travel season.

“We are extremely fortunate to welcome industry leaders Michelle Guthrie and Matt Berriman to the TRAVLR business, who will be instrumental in driving TRAVLR’s current and future growth,” he said.

“Our extended partnership with global leader ViacomCBS is testament to our commitment in supporting iconic media brands to deepen their engagement with audiences looking for the ultimate travel experience, curated especially for them, in Australia and around the world,” said te Hennepe.

Latest News

  • Sustainability
  • Wholesalers

The Intrepid Foundation launches appeal to support Northern Vietnamese communities following Typhoon Yagi

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities in Northern Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on 7 September, 2024. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to grassroots organisation Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, to provide immediate relief to thousands without shelter, food […]

  • Aviation

Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport

Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]

  • Tourism

Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]

  • Events
  • News

Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser

Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]

  • News
  • Travel Agents

‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base

Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour,  a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]