Global Touring appoints Bobby Hale as head of sales

Global Touring, the parent company of Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring, has announced Bobby Hale as head of sales for the APAC region.

Hale succeeds David Gendle, who is stepping down following his planned retirement. 

Bobby Hale joins Global Touring from On the Go Tours, where he previously served as head of sales for the Southern Hemisphere; where his leadership was instrumental in revitalising the team in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With over 13 years of experience in the travel industry, Hale has deep expertise across sales, retail, product development, and commercial strategy.

His career includes significant roles at Flight Centre Travel Group, On Track Expeditions, and a period as a Mobile Travel Agent (MTA) during the pandemic. Hale also founded and operated Hale Travel & Events, a full-service travel agency and event management company specialising in global adventure and sporting events from 2019 to 2022.

“I am incredibly excited to join the team at Global Touring and to be a part of building on the rich history of Topdeck Travel and Back-Roads Touring. These brands are iconic within the Australian and New Zealand travel markets, and it is a real privilege to now be part of the team that will grow them even stronger. I am extremely eager to begin this new challenge today,” Hale said.

His hands-on experience, from guiding mountaineering and trekking adventures; to retail expertise and developing innovative travel products, underscores his deep connection with the touring industry, general manager of APAC at Global Touring, Anna Fawcett, said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bobby to the Global Touring family at such a dynamic time of growth,” she said.

“His extensive travel experience and passion for adventure will bring a fresh, innovative approach to our sales strategy, ensuring continued success across all our brands. Bobby’s enthusiasm for the industry is truly contagious, and his wealth of knowledge will be an invaluable asset to our team.”

New Topdeck and Back-Roads APAC general manager Anna Fawcett is forging a different path