The appointments mark an exciting growth period for Journey Beyond and includes the company’s first in-market position in New Zealand, a significant step forward for the New Zealand market.
Thomas Gentz (pictured) has taken on the role of Business Development Manager – New Zealand, bringing with him extensive senior travel management experience.
Gentz previously worked with leading travel and tourism brands in New Zealand, including Air New Zealand, Back-Roads Touring, Travel Advocates and most recently Hurtigruten & HX-Hurtigruten Expeditions.
The new NZ-based recruit said he is looking forward to bringing a strong strategic focus to this new role and as Journey Beyond’s first ever in-market role across the Tasman, with the company stating he will be “instrumental” in growing awareness of its entire portfolio and supporting agents in New Zealand.
Meanwhile ,after 21 years with Journey Beyond, Renee Cornelissen has returned to her international roots, taking on another newly created leadership role as Group Manager – International Sales, and Cara Toovey has been appointed Group Manager – National Sales, boasting 21 years of diverse experience in the tourism industry.
Toovey has held multiple leadership roles within the travel industry, including nine years leading six BDMs across the SA/WA/NSW regions at Intrepid Travel.
Following a brief hiatus from tourism, she joined RAA Travel as Experienced Product Specialist for South Australia, where she fortified relationships with local partners and expanded the South Australian product portfolio.
Journey Beyond has also installed Josh Basir as Business Development Manager – ITO’s and the Americas, joining from Leisure & Wholesale at Minor Hotels (Oaks & Avani Hotel chains) where he was National Sales Manager.
Basir managed a diverse portfolio of 63 hotels, resorts and suites across Australia and New Zealand in his previous position, and is now enthusiastic about the prospect of collaborating with and supporting Journey Beyond’s international sales team.
Another new face is Leia Marras, who assumed the role of Business Development Coordinator.
Marras brings experience in hospitality industry working in customer service roles, and was most recently promoted internally from the Travel Centre, where she handled reservations and product enquiries.
“We’re excited to further expand our team and welcome four new members to the Journey Beyond family,” Triggs said.
“These appointments are centred around Journey Beyond’s manifesto and guest promise, ‘we go further, to take you beyond’ and represent our commitment to building our trade partnerships on a global scale.
“We know that Journey Beyond delivers special and unique access, authentic and immersive experiences, and extraordinary service, and we want the world to know that, too,” Triggs concluded.
