Grow Tourism is supercharging its partnerships,
technology and advisor capability, welcoming two new team
members and announcing a new Advisory Board in the first
quarter of 2024.
Young Tourism Export Council Vice
Chair Amanda Linklater joins the team as Partnerships Lead,
drawing on her deep tourism experience with Go With Tourism,
RealNZ, Active Adventures and Hotel St Moritz. Based in
Queenstown, Amanda will lead business development with a
focus on exploring where Grow Tourism can best add value
within the industry.
“I’m a huge advocate of the
visitor economy, and to be part of a team whose purpose is
to enhance the skills and knowledge within the sector while
unlocking ‘higher-value tourism’ is something I’m very
passionate about. This role – and the Grow Tourism vision
– couldn’t be a better fit.”
Bruce Hurd has also
joined the team as Technology Lead. With a deep technical
skillset and experience developing international SaaS and
technology products, Bruce has worked with clients including
McDonalds, Nasdaq, ASOS and HP and is managing Grow’s
technical development.
The professional development
platform – focused on powering the visitor economy of
tomorrow – incorporates bite-sized learning courses and
customised training dedicated to driving higher-value
tourism outcomes for people, place and businesses. Shortly,
the platform will also deliver business improvement
opportunities surfaced from learner data, powered by
AI.
Grow Tourism has also announced its new Advisory
Board, which focuses on bringing private sector know-how to
the business through a number of different lenses. Board
members include Shayne Forrest (Hobbiton Movie Set), Eve
Lawrence (Intrepid Travel), Rick Crannitch (Naumi Hotels),
Tori Burns (Russell-Orongo Bay Top 10 Holiday Park), Zac
Watson (Maverick Digital) and Lee Brown (Hospitality New
Zealand).
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“Deep within our industry is a challenge
– growing tourism & hospitality professionals within
an organisation is critical. I remember vividly my ‘aha’
moment, which drew me in to my career, and I’m passionate
about helping others find theirs,” says Rick Crannitch,
Cluster General Manager Naumi Hotels Wellington and Advisory
Board Member.
Developed by industry experts, Grow
Tourism learners explore a myriad of real-world concepts
including building commercial frameworks, delivering
outstanding customer experiences and sustainability
storytelling. Case studies like AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
and Sudima Hotels bring learning to life in the real
world.
As the startup enters its second year in
market, co-Founder Tash McGill is exiting the business as
she focuses on her tourism tech and media businesses in
2024.
“I’m proud of everything Grow Tourism has
achieved so far thanks to a remarkable team and I know that
team, led by Alex (Dykman), is absolutely going to continue
delivering great outcomes,” she
says.
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