The Travel Corporation (TTC) is pleased to announce the promotion of industry figurehead, Matthew Cameron-Smith, as CEO of the AAT Kings Group Company. With over 100 years’ experience, the AAT Kings Group are the largest and best-run land-based touring operator in Australia and New Zealand. Their brands are: AAT Kings, Inspiring Journeys, SEIT, Down Under Tours and Aussie Adventures; and includes the inbound ground handling services for sister companies Trafalgar and Insight Vacations, Costsaver and Luxury Gold in Australia and New Zealand.
With over 30 years of experience in the Travel and Tourism industry, Cameron-Smith took on the role as Managing Director of AAT Kings and Inspiring Journeys in April 2019 – leading a team of 350+ across Guided Holidays, Short Breaks and Day Tours as well as its Small Group Journeys collection, Inspiring Journeys and finalising the acquisition of SEIT Outback Australia.
In addition, James Dixon has been appointed General Manager for Northern Australia and will look after Queensland and Central Australian Operations.
Due to COVID-19, the Group is currently preparing to redesign and enhance its Operations to adhere to expected new government standards for an effective and seamless traveller’s experience with their well-being in mind. This includes all staff partaking in COVID-19 training and ensuring its entire supply chain complies with updated travel policies and requirements.
Between the awful bushfires and the devastating effects of COVID-19, it’s been a tough year for domestic tourism, Matthew Cameron-Smith comments: “Our domestic and trans-Tasman communities need us now more than ever. We live and breathe these communities, strongly believing in tourism and the very positive role it plays in the economic recovery – we are working closely with various tourism associations to ensure a smooth transition for when the borders open up.”
TTC’s Chief Executive, Brett Tollman, commented: “We are delighted to elevate Matt deservedly to become a CEO, a career-long goal of his. TTC remains committed to continue to invest in the growth of Australian and New Zealand domestic and inbound travel, working collectively with the industry to aid in the road to recovery. Matt’s strong commercial skills and business acumen, strategic thinking, internal and external stakeholder relations and motivational leadership style are all assets to the AAT Kings Group as we look to provide immediate support in our operations.”
Cameron-Smith concludes, “Our nation and the world have been deeply affected as we watched parts of our country and wildlife ravaged by the fires and now the effects of Coronavirus. We are so privileged to be able to take advantage of our experience and network, to facilitate bringing as many travellers as we can back to our most affected townships and to explore their own backyard. Working in partnership is the best way that we know how to help, as we work with the industry in supporting our fellow Australians and New Zealanders to get back on their feet for the long-term and to help kick start domestic and then international tourism.”
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