Experience

Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO)
• Australia
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Vice Chair

  • Jun 2022 - 1 year 7 months


Crooked Compass

• Australia
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founder & CEO

  • May 2014 - 9 years 8 months

  Sydney, Australia Crooked Compass encourages you to experience the lesser known side to our fascinating planet. Follow a different path and explore with us on our spectacular small group tours allowing you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. Be guided by our unique travel app for inspiration and bucket list experiences to add to your travels. Discover our travel blog brimming with expert knowledge, travel tips and insiders guides to lesser known… Show more Crooked Compass encourages you to experience the lesser known side to our fascinating planet. Follow a different path and explore with us on our spectacular small group tours allowing you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. Be guided by our unique travel app for inspiration and bucket list experiences to add to your travels. Discover our travel blog brimming with expert knowledge, travel tips and insiders guides to lesser known haunts. Founded by globetrotter Lisa Pagotto, Crooked Compass was launched in May 2014. Lisa and her team are committed to sharing travel inspiration and recommendations to help add those intriguing destinations and experiences to your bucket list - many you may never knew existed. Lisa has created a worldwide community of like-minded travellers, primarily in the age group of 30-55 who are active, young at heart adventurers with assorted travel interests. The Crooked Compass Travel App, tours and blog create the perfect compilation for travel inspiration introducing those intriguing destinations and unique experiences to budding travellers. Lisa’s concept behind Crooked Compass is to allow ideas to be injected and fuelled in your mind as your feet grow ever itchier and your style of travel more curious to discover the lesser known world. To travel is to live... Dream, Explore, Discover. www.crooked-compass.com lisa@crooked-compass.com Show less



Railbookers

• United Kingdom
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Partnerships and Distribution Manager

  • Jul 2015 - Mar 2016

  - Managing travel agent portfolios, partnership, PR and marketing channels – with responsibility covering everything from determining the strategy to implementing all associated work and reporting on failures and successes - Developing and executing a promotional plan, newsletters, creative, brochures and other materials - Negotiating and managing contracts and commission structures for travel agents, networks, and partnerships - Researching and initiating meetings with potential… Show more - Managing travel agent portfolios, partnership, PR and marketing channels – with responsibility covering everything from determining the strategy to implementing all associated work and reporting on failures and successes - Developing and executing a promotional plan, newsletters, creative, brochures and other materials - Negotiating and managing contracts and commission structures for travel agents, networks, and partnerships - Researching and initiating meetings with potential prospects for new partnerships and further strategic partnerships through to deal closure - Providing forecasts for each new partner within the portfolio with accompanying explanation as well as a strategic roadmap to increase revenues - Managing all account management activities to maximise revenue-generating opportunities - Maintaining high levels of awareness of market and competitor activity and customer trends - Identifying growth opportunities within existing partnerships and managing negotiation and contract agreements - Generating and maximising new business opportunities through attending appointments, networking and pitching with trade, media and commercial partnerships - Organising events including product briefings/training sessions, exhibitions and open days - Planning, developing, implementing, roll out and manage strategic PR and marketing programs to achieve significant increases in brand awareness and revenue - Cultivating relationships with key journalists in national and trade publications - Pitching and managing press trips in Australia and New Zealand - Pitching stories and issuing press releases to national and regional media, achieving highest visibility across all media outlets - Managing operational costs, commercial profitability and P&L Show less



Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic

• Strategic Partnerships Manager

  • Aug 2014 - Jul 2015

  North Sydney Working closely with the Director of Business Development, the role of Strategic Partnerships Manager is responsible for identifying and engaging non-traditional sales channels within Australia and New Zealand. These channels include all revenue generating opportunities other than the traditional trade and direct consumer channels currently in place in the Australasian market for Lindblad Expeditions. These sources of revenue will be comprised of, but not limited to, affinity… Show more Working closely with the Director of Business Development, the role of Strategic Partnerships Manager is responsible for identifying and engaging non-traditional sales channels within Australia and New Zealand. These channels include all revenue generating opportunities other than the traditional trade and direct consumer channels currently in place in the Australasian market for Lindblad Expeditions. These sources of revenue will be comprised of, but not limited to, affinity groups and corporate partners in the region. • Identifying and speaking with new and existing partners promoting Lindblad Expeditions • Developing and coordinating a sales strategy for non-traditional channels in Australia and New Zealand that ensures attainment of sales goals and profitability • Establishing regular reporting and analysis of non-traditional (trade and direct consumer) sales channels in Australia and New Zealand • Work closely with Marketing and Sales departments to develop and implement marketing and sales plans. • Attending key account shows when necessary (Travel Mart, Virtuoso Regional Meetings, etc.) • Attending key consumer events Show less



McLachlan Experiences, Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours & Discover Asia

• National Sales and Marketing Manager - McLachlan Tours

  • Jul 2012 - Aug 2014

  • To research the market, identify opportunities and to develop and create a product range for a new touring brand of 300+ tours throughout Africa, Middle East, South America and Asia to fit a niche market not currently being met within the industry • To contract and negotiate hotel and touring rates with international operators and to ensure our product stays ahead of the market and competitors • To assist in website development and brochure production/design • To successfully launch… Show more • To research the market, identify opportunities and to develop and create a product range for a new touring brand of 300+ tours throughout Africa, Middle East, South America and Asia to fit a niche market not currently being met within the industry • To contract and negotiate hotel and touring rates with international operators and to ensure our product stays ahead of the market and competitors • To assist in website development and brochure production/design • To successfully launch McLachlan Experiences into the Australian touring market • To increase sales, identify marketing opportunities and create brand awareness through preferred partner relationships, tourism boards and trade press for Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours, McLachlan Experiences and Discover Asia. • Co-ordinating a National Marketing strategy to drive sales, stick within company budgets and solidify industry and ground operator partnerships to ensure strong ROI. • Liaising with PR firms to secure media time on radio, TV, in print and films evenings • Monitor competitors, current trends and opportunities to ensure the growth of touring brands • Creating and implementing a training program for the reservations team in preparation for new product launch (McLachlan Experiences) - both destination and specific tour focused • Implementing and executing a recruitment and development program for the BDM's including KPI’s and quarterly appraisal processes • Preferred contract negotiation with preferred retail partners • Providing leadership and training to the Sales Team including the Tailor Made department to ensure sales targets are exceeded and company goals are achieved. Show less



Kumuka Worldwide

• United Kingdom
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee

• National Sales Manager

  • Feb 2012 - Jul 2012

  To plan, develop and implement sales and marketing strategies/campagins to increase brand awareness, whilst meeting commercial objectives and strengthening existing industry relationships. Create growth and manage new business partnerships. Providing leadership to the Sales Team and manage the operation of the department to achieve sales goals.Collaborating with Head of company to build annual sales and marketing objectives and goals in line with business plan. • Increase sales of… Show more To plan, develop and implement sales and marketing strategies/campagins to increase brand awareness, whilst meeting commercial objectives and strengthening existing industry relationships. Create growth and manage new business partnerships. Providing leadership to the Sales Team and manage the operation of the department to achieve sales goals.Collaborating with Head of company to build annual sales and marketing objectives and goals in line with business plan. • Increase sales of Kumuka’s global product within Australia and NZ • Provide excellent training and service to my BDM’s to create growth with existing and new industry partners • Assisting National Marketing Manager with National Marketing plan to drive sales, stick within budget and solidify industry partnerships • Assisting with co-branded advertising campaigns and implementing plans to ensure strong ROI • Provide leadership to the Sales Team and manage the sales department in order to achieve sales goals • Manage Sales Team so they are effective in their roles and responsibilities • Collaborate with Head of Asia Pacific to build annual sales and marketing goals and objectives in line with the business plan • Monitor current trends and opportunities • Grow the business • Assistance with brochure design and formatting • Recruitment and development for the sales team including KPI’s and quarterly appraisals • Improve brand awareness • Assisting Head of Asia Pacific with preferred contract negotiations • Expos and conference active participation

• Tailor Made & Groups Manager

  • Jun 2010 - Feb 2012

  • Constructing bespoke itineraries covering all corners of the globe • Liaising with suppliers worldwide including Kumuka’s in house product/operations team negotiating rates • Dealing professionally with both travel agents and the general public from the start of their enquiry through to a follow up call when they come back from their trip • Managing and training staff members • Managing and coordinating large groups • Attending Managers conferences interstate and overseas and… Show more • Constructing bespoke itineraries covering all corners of the globe • Liaising with suppliers worldwide including Kumuka’s in house product/operations team negotiating rates • Dealing professionally with both travel agents and the general public from the start of their enquiry through to a follow up call when they come back from their trip • Managing and training staff members • Managing and coordinating large groups • Attending Managers conferences interstate and overseas and travel expos regularly with our preferred partners to further promote the Tailor Made department • BDM role 2 days a week providing morning training seminars with preferred agency chains • Relationship building with HWT, JTG, Travel Associates, TSAX, Travel Managers and Travel Counsellors



American Express

• United States
• Financial Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Platinum Travel Consultant

  • 2010 - 2010

   Responsible for providing exceptional travel service delivery to Platinum card members, ensuring travel needs are met and attended to with the highest level of professionalism  To match premium card members travel requirements and requests with suitable travel itineraries and associated travel products.  Integrating individual client lifestyle requirements into their travel plans seamlessly and professionally by utilizing the services of Platinum concierge.  Providing travel… Show more  Responsible for providing exceptional travel service delivery to Platinum card members, ensuring travel needs are met and attended to with the highest level of professionalism  To match premium card members travel requirements and requests with suitable travel itineraries and associated travel products.  Integrating individual client lifestyle requirements into their travel plans seamlessly and professionally by utilizing the services of Platinum concierge.  Providing travel advice such as visa requirements, health checks and other travel related information together.  Exceeding travel sales and revenue targets. Providing competitive and lowest logical airfare quotations and proactively offer accommodation or additional benefits that meet the clients needs.  Ensure optimum customer service and maintain excellent and positive customer relations.  To go above and beyond what is perceived as normal travel servicing and deliver a wow or delight factor to clients. Show less



Topdeck Travel

• United Kingdom
• Travel Arrangements
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Travel guru

  • Sep 2008 - Oct 2009

  Top Deck Travel – Trip Leader Training Trip • Theoretical and practical training as a European tour manager. • Intensive study of all Top Deck destinations in areas of history, geography, government, current affairs and culture. • Practical experience in tour leading and the day to day operations of a coach tour in Western Europe. • Developed practical local knowledge, plus management, accounting, presentation, communication and inter-personal skills. Top Deck… Show more Top Deck Travel – Trip Leader Training Trip • Theoretical and practical training as a European tour manager. • Intensive study of all Top Deck destinations in areas of history, geography, government, current affairs and culture. • Practical experience in tour leading and the day to day operations of a coach tour in Western Europe. • Developed practical local knowledge, plus management, accounting, presentation, communication and inter-personal skills. Top Deck Travel - Travel Guru  Actively selling Top Deck products to both direct customers and to Travel Agents  Dealing with enquiries regarding Top Deck product range including Insurance and sundry extras by phone, mail and electronic means in a friendly and efficient manner ensuring deadlines are met and customer satisfaction achieved  Client and booking management from initial enquiry, booking and processing of payments in various currencies, dispatching of documentation.  Participating in company events such as “Top Deck Thursdays,” “Info nights” and TNT travel shows  Training new staff members & running training evenings to improve staff product/destination knowledge Show less



Cit holidays

• South Africa
• Hospitality

• Retail consultant

  • Feb 2006 - Aug 2008

  Sydney


Coral seas
• United States
• Hospitality
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Wholesale consultant

  • Feb 2005 - Feb 2006


Pure travel

• South Africa
• Leisure, Travel & Tourism
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Team leader

  • Jan 2003 - Feb 2005

  Sydney, Australia