AOT launches new team in NZ

Leading travel company AOT is poised to introduce a new and improved sales team this month amid plans to promote the re-launched Australian travel wholesaler, Sunlover Holidays and the newly introduced wholesaler TravelPoint into the New Zealand tourism market.

The new sales team which has now doubled from its original size of including newly appointed Phil Allen and Vanessa Cocks who join Sales Manager Nigel Rundle and Sales Co-ordinator Louise Lidgard.

The new team members will contribute to the creation of a determined sales force offering one stop sales solutions for all trans-Tasman bookings with an emphasis on both TravelPoint and Sunlover Holidays branded product.

Sales Manager Nigel Rundle said the new additions to the team will bring much needed expertise and experience to the group.

“We would like to welcome both Phil and Vanessa to the team as they will play an important role in maintaining regular six to eight week calling cycles on retail agencies, provide regular systems and product updates as well as face to face contact designed to promote the profile of the new brands,” he said.

“Acting as mobile sales executives, Vanessa and Phil will increase the presence and influence of Australian product from Sunlover Holidays and TravelPoint ensuring it is front of mind, further strengthening existing relationships with regional New Zealand travel agents.”

Phil Allen joins the team after several management roles within the tourism industry bringing a wealth of skills and experience to his role.

Vanessa Cocks has worked extensively in the travel industry within the UK and Australia liaising as a short haul consultant for an established holiday travel brand.

The new sales team is a part of the planned facelift and restructure of the popular Queensland wholesaler Sunlover Holidays, which is expected to further diversify the Australian tourism products currently available in the New Zealand market.

“In conjunction with the restructuring of the Sunlover Holidays brand we considered it imperative that services designed to promote these products were of the highest standard,” Mr Rundle said.

“I believe the current changes and plans for the future of this new and improved dynamic sales team will be one of the driving forces in encouraging the increased profile of both Sunlover Holidays and TravelPoint.”

Australian travel wholesaler TravelPoint is set to be launched into the New Zealand market after years of success in the Australian domestic market.

Including touring guide, accommodation and travel hire information for visitors to Western Australian, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, TravelPoint offers a range of pre-organised holiday packages including driving and bus tour holidays.

Managing Director of AOT’s wholesale division, Paul Scurrah, said the new sales team was a part of an overall New Zealand campaign which is focused on increasing exposure via improvements in service, offers and distribution.

“The purpose of increasing the size of our sales force is to promote high quality Australian product to the New Zealand travel industry and we believe both brands will contribute significantly to increased tourism traffic and a wider understanding of the services and products available under both Sunlover Holidays and TravelPoint brands,” he said.