TRAVLR Group’s acquisition chief exits to launch marketing agency

Travel industry personality Gordy Bayne has left his role at TRAVLR Group to start his very own full-service marketing agency.

Showponi will specialise in marketing, commercial collaborations, media buying, content creation, brand strategy, PR and curated events with an Asia-Pacific footprint.

Bayne has plenty of experience in launching and building travel brands such as Mondo Travel in New Zealand, Scoopon and Bon Voyage Luxury Holidays in Australia.

Most recently, he worked as chief acquisition officer at TRAVLR Group, which is home to The Bali Bible, and has joint venture deals in place with 10 ViacomCBS’s travel brands, 10 Travlr and MTV Travel, in Australia.

Late last year, Bayne returned to New Zealand to play his part in TRAVLR Group’s expansion across the ditch with Wandr Travel and Stuff Travel.

“Returning back to New Zealand has enabled me to create my dream brand and business like Showponi, not only as a full-service marketing agency, but with a ‘proudly local’ position in the global landscape,” he said.

“Our commitment is to also work with brands, businesses, tourism and government organisations that deliver Māori, Pasifika and Indigenous storytelling at the core of it. This is how, together, we will win hearts, be relevant and make a meaningful contribution.

Bayne has also hand-picked two foundation team members to join the Showponi crew.

Angela Bartlam, who was formerly the marketing manager at Mondo Travels, has come on board as Showponi’s creative director. And Tania Reynolds, who has previously worked at Touch of Spice and The Luxury Network NZ, has been appointed as the agency’s chief curator of business and events.

“Once we are at a safe alert level, we look forward to the launch parties in both Auckland and Sydney to celebrate and bring back some sparkle to the world in our own little way,” Bayne said.

“We are open for business now and we would love to be able to solve problems and exhaust any and every opportunity we possibly can for our customers.

“Many businesses have had to reduce their staff or are unable to dial back-up, so we look forward to any discussions on how we can help in a small or big way with all your re-entry activity this year and plans for 2022.”