Travel DAZE 2020 speaker spotlight: Darren Rudd, AFTA
We’ve got plenty of great speakers at Travel DAZE next month who are set to bring you some very valuable insights on how they and their organisations are recovering from COVID-19 and rebuilding a sustainable future.
One of those is Darren Rudd, CEO of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
Despite only having been in the role since late June, Rudd has hit the ground running at the federation, meeting with many agents and MPs to lobby for sector-specific financial support.
Rudd joined AFTA from the global information services business Tata Consultancy Services, where he has served as head of corporate affairs in Australia and New Zealand for the past four years.
He brings to the industry and the organisation extensive experience in strategic marketing and corporate engagement, including 11 years as general manager of business group across the Asia-Pacific region for Alcatel-Lucent, and five years as lead corporate affairs manager at NBN Co.
Rudd’s career began in 1991 in Hong Kong designing core Hotel Information Systems (HIS/IBM).
Check out who else will be speaking alongside Rudd at Travel DAZE 2020 here.
The event (which will be the only travel industry event of its scale in Australia this year) will virtually bring together the best minds from within the travel sector, along with external experts, to foster its recovery from COVID-19.
Presented by the Italian National Tourist Board, Travel DAZE 2020 will explore what tangible steps business owners, travel agents, tour operators, marketers, and communication specialists can take toward rebuilding a sustainable and profitable future.
The conference will kick off on Monday 2 November and finish up on Friday 6 November, and the best part is that it’s absolutely FREE!
So, what are you waiting for? Click here to register, and be sure to visit the Travel DAZE website and keep an eye out for more stories regarding rego, speakers and session times.
Those keen on sponsoring Travel DAZE 2020 can get in touch with Harriet Morris (harriet@travelweekly.com.au).
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
afta australian federation of travel agents Darren Rudd Travel DAZE Travel DAZE 2020Latest News
Existing investors pick up Hurtigruten for €500M
Norwegian group expedition company Hurtigruten Group has confirmed its sale to a consortium of existing investors for a sum of EUR 500m (A$811 million). The acquisition will mark the final separation of HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) from sister company Hurtigruten. Both companies were previously part of the Hurtigruten Group. From January 2025, each business will exist […]
Jetstar launches cyber Monday sale with Sydney to Byron from $35
If you're still sat at your desk and not on a flight to Byron, then what are you doing with your life?
The Aussie holiday hotspot where airline ticket fraud is 2.5x more likely
Double check that ticket before you click on the 'buy' button.
GALLERY: Travel industry gathers in Sydney for Moana 2 screening
We know this event certainly helped the mums and dads of the travel industry earn some brownie points.
G Adventures reveals 2025 ‘Where to Travel’ list
If you needed any inspo on where to travel in 2025, then this is the list for you!
Brand USA partners with Luxury Escapes, takes over Chadstone Store for Thanksgiving Event
Between Black Friday and all the Thanksgiving events, we're starting to feel very American.
Defying Convention to Deepen Connections: Booking.com’s 9 2025 travel predictions
Here at TW we appreciate this nod to the Wicked film. If you haven't seen it - run don't walk.
Collette’s Black Friday Deals Extended to 11th December!
Black Friday is no longer a day. It is an entire period.
nib Travel launches ‘Holiday Hustle’ agent incentive
'Tis the season to be rewarded. This is the type of Christmas gift we like.
Celestyal F1 Doha trip offers triple treat for travel advisors and destination managers
Seeing Piastri snatch third almost made us want to jump onboard again for the next race.
Celestyal Journey debut and F1 race mark busiest week in Qatar since 2022 World Cup
A feast of options for cruise, fight and motor racing fans. It's a hot destination - literally.
Turkish Airlines touches down at Sydney Airport
It's been years in the making, and unfortunately this planeload of travellers arrived on a rainy Sydney evening.
Qatar Airways has partnered with tennis star Novak Djokovic as wellness advisor
Is Novak the GOAT? It's up for debate, but his new deal with Qatar certainly isn't.
ACCC gives interim approval for Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways to launch 28 new flights to Doha
After having its bid rejected last year, Qatar, it appears, has had the last laugh.
NSW Tourism Association announces 2024 Awards winners
The NSW Tourism Association has announced the winners of the NSW Tourism Awards 2024 at a gala event at the Star Sydney. The evening celebrated the tourism and hospitality sectors in NSW, which are delivering world-class visitor experience that growing the NSW visitor economy. Winners were recognised with gold, silver, and bronze awards for their […]
Scoot announces Black Friday sale deals until 30 November
We hope you make rash decisions, because you've got a day-and-a-half to capitalise on this deal.
Tasting Australia announces Journey Beyond as its new presenting partner
Seems like enough of an excuse for a Friday afternoon bonding session at the Journey Beyond offices to us!
Tourism & Transport Forum survey finds 75% Aussies to travel this summer despite cost of living
Whether it's a few quiet nights or a smart yearly budget, there's not much keeping Aussies home over summer.
Events deliver $777 million in impact for Melbourne, Geelong and beyond
Events are big business in the State of Victoria!
South Korea is becoming one of Wendy Wu Tours’ most sought-after hotspots for 2025
If Wendy's calling it, we think it's a good idea to follow her lead.
Madame Tussauds Sydney honours the Irwin’s with new figures of Steve and Robert
When we saw this news, one thing came to mind. Crickey! That's a great Friday yarn.
Aviation’s answer to Shark Tank? Emirates hosts three-city pilot recruitment show
A great opportunity for anyone who knows they want to be a pilot. Not us, we will remain passenger princesses.
Cruise Month delivers best ever results, CLIA says
The proof appears to be in the pudding when it comes to Cruise Month... See you in October!
Korea strengthens MICE play with new convention centres
Okay, here us out. What about a Squid Games-themed conference!? We'll see ourselves out.
Women in Travel: Europ Assistance ANZ CEO Anna Gladman on embracing opportunities
Can you believe we are less than a week away!? We're just a bit excited!
European Union green lights Korean Air x Asiana Air merger
Our aviation stories have been largely red lights recently, but here's a nice change up.
Crown Resorts to house new Golden Century restaurant and Icebergs Harbour Bar
An old inner-city favourite and an Eastern Suburbs hotspot to open at the Crown, seems like a winner to us.
Australian Airports Association welcomes Labor’s approval of Sydney Airport slot management reform
Sydney Airport is no doubt getting its ducks in a row before the cities much anticipated second airport arrives.
Visit USA brings the travel industry together for annual Thanksgiving breakfast
If you kick your morning event off with Mimosas, you're sure to have an happy crowd, or at least happy TW team.
Emirates officially unveils its first A350 aircraft
For the first day of Christmas Emirates gave to me, a brand new Airbus A350!
Major events shape Accor success as new openings promise even more
Now that Taylor Swift and Coldplay have been and gone, who's going to do the numbers for Accor in 2025?
Webjet taken to federal court over allegedly misleading consumers over hidden flight fees
The latest instalment in the Webjet saga has landed.
Abu Dhabi solidifies status as a premier cultural and socialhub
With our editor in Abu Dhabi as we file, we hope he remembered his sunscreen, and some ear plugs for the F1!
Solomon Island braces for 2024 Oceania Rugby Sevens Tournament
If there is one thing that unites everyone from everywhere, it is sport.
Stuba invites VIP partners to five fun filled days in Fiji
Whether they were exploring Fiji, checking out new hotels or relaxing by the pool, we're sure there were no complaints!
Salter Brothers Hospitality redefines Australian luxury with new brand identity
Much to the dismay of the pepper sisters...