9 April 2018

Southern Discoveries appoints new International Sales Manager for western markets

Premium Queenstown and Milford Sound tourism operator Southern Discoveries has appointed tourism specialist Wendy van Dijk as International Sales Manager for the western markets.

Ms. van Dijk has more than a decade of experience with a number of leading travel and tourism operators in New Zealand and abroad. She will focus on managing and developing sales activities and relationships throughout the UK, Europe, and North and South America.

Director of Sales and Marketing Julia Savill has been managing western market sales, but the significant growth for the company out of the Americas and Europe created the need for a dedicated, full time sales role.

“There’s a real opportunity to expand our western market sales presence with Wendy focussed on these regions,” says Ms. Savill.

“Wendy has an extensive background in sales strategy and account management, and has developed a strong network of travel industry relationships which will be valued within our team,” says Ms. Savill.

Ms. van Dijk’s passion for the outdoors and her enthusiasm for her new role has been welcomed by the company.

Prior to joining Southern Discoveries, Wendy was sales and product executive for NZSki Limited which owns and operates Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables ski areas.

Before that, Ms. van Dijk held roles with Glacier Explorers in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and spent three years with Topdeck Travel in their London head office.

Ms. van Dijk says she is very much looking forward to being part of the Southern Discoveries team.

“I’ve long time considered Southern Discoveries as one of the leaders in New Zealand tourism delivering exceptional nature experiences in Fiordland and Queenstown.”

She adds, “I started my tourism career in North America and the UK so I’m looking forward to getting back there and encouraging visitors to experience our beautiful part of the world with Southern Discoveries.”

About Southern Discoveries

Southern Discoveries is a premium tourism company dedicated to sharing some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery and extraordinary experiences with the world.

The company offers a range of cruises in Milford Sound and Queenstown, as well as cycling, farm experiences and coach transfers from Queenstown, and kayaking and an underwater observatory in Milford Sound. They also specialise in private charters and conference and incentive packages.

With more than 60 years’ experience, Southern Discoveries continues to provide the widest range of excursions in Milford Sound and maintains an ongoing commitment to the conservation of the area through the Sinbad Sanctuary Project in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and the Fiordland Conservation Trust.

The company is Qualmark endorsed, has a Trip Advisor ‘Hall of Fame’ Certificate of Excellence for Milford Sound cruises and received the title of New Zealand Tourism Export Council Operator of the Year in 2015. See southerndiscoveries.co.nz

ENDS

For further media information please contact:

Julia Savill

Director of Sales and Marketing

Southern Discoveries

03 441 8231

julia.savill@southerndiscoveries.co.nz

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