Working Group(s) - Membership, Communications & supports the Queenstown Steering Group.

Background - Jenni has over eight years' experience in the tourism industry and is currently General Manager of the largest national distributer of tourism collateral; VisitorPoint. VisitorPoint work with over 600 tourism businesses to help distribute their collateral to visitors through their network of 38 circuits covering over 2000 displays in accommodations, attractions and gateways throughout New Zealand. Based in Queenstown since 2011, Jenni has previously worked with Southern Discoveries as their NZ sales manager, InterCity Group and THL. Jenni is working with the most comprehensive library of national tourism products and is incredibly passionate about connecting the unique activities on offer in NZ with our visitors.

Working Group/s:  Advocacy

Background:  Chris has been part of the Tourism Industry for years, having a strong background with YHA, having served over 24 years in the organisation both here in NZ in the UK and Australia.   Responsible for a successful operation in Wellington for at least 5 of those years, Chris now provides operational expertise to support YHA Hostels from Rotorua to Franz Josef, with a passion for people, the planet and profit. 

Working Group/s:  NZHA Lead, Advocacy, Membership & supports the Queenstown Steering Group

Background:  Having travelled more than 60 countries, Brett took his travel experience to open two top rated hostels, using his knowledge of what truly matters to backpackers.  Coming from a Project Management background, together with 9 years experience as a hostel owner/operator Brett is dedicated to the advocacy of NZ’s accommodation industry. 

Working Group/s:  Communications, Membership, & supports the Christchurch Steering Group

Background:  Collette has over 10yrs experience in the New Zealand tourism industry and is currently employed as Sales Manager for the Skyline Enterprises group. Her motivations to join the BYATA Board are to support BYATA’s efforts to recover our industry and ignite economic growth, and she’s motivated to make a difference and drive success. 

 Working Group/s:  Finance, Communications & Research, & supports the Rotorua Steering Group

Background:  Sales and Marketing Manger for Velocity Valley – Rotorua’s only Adventure Park and previously known as Agroventures.  Debbie brings wealth and experience to the Board from her days within the industry including a large cultural element.  Having worked in Maori Tourism in Rotorua for 3.5 years as their Business Development Manager, Debs has also work for the GrabOne, Kaitiaki Adventures and Base Backpackers.   So she’s up-skilled across our sector.  A born and bread Rotorua girl, her organisation skills and willingness to get things done will be an asset to our Board.  

Working Groups:  Education & Talent, Advocacy

Background:  An experienced Tourism & Travel sector business development professional, having operated in a number of leisure and special Interest travel segments throughout his career.  A Tourism School graduate of Otago University, Henry has lived and worked in international markets including Japan, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.  Henry heads up the International Student portfolio at ATEED. His work across both the commercial and public sector has seen him lead a number of game changing destination marketing projects, including the development of new premium youth visitor markets in Auckland. 

Working Group/s:   HNZ, Advocacy & Supports the Taupo Steering Group

Background:  Laura is an active member of the Taupo tourism industry through Base Backpackers, part of the Tourism Adventure Group where she has worked as GM and Operations since 2012 and more recently as HR Manager for Tourism Adventure Group.  Additionally through Tourism Lake Taupo, an advocacy group for the Taupo tourism industry for which she is secretary. She is passionate about tourism and dedicates herself to any role she is given. Has attended every BYATA Steering Group meeting and is an active participant, sharing her knowledge and opinions regarding issues facing the tourism industry. She will be a great asset to the BYATA board. 

Working Group/s:  Communications, Advocacy, Education & Talent, HNZ & supports the Auckland Steering Group

Nadine brings a strong Accommodation flavour to the Board this year.  Having worked her way up through all of the departments in the Accommodation sector at Base, Fat Camel and Nomads, she has now settled for an Operations role.  Nadine originally from Germany, a Backpacker herself understands the complexity of wanting to live and work in New Zealand.  A great asset to our team, Nadine has had personal experience of the our Immigration legislation.

Working Group:  Communications, Membership & Supports the Christchurch Steering Group

Background:  Tourism has been Sarah's passion and occupation since her first days working on the Kaituna River as a raft guide.  Her experience helped shape her approach to tourism and the past 7 years Tamaki Maori Village, focuses on integrating natural landscapes with world leading storytelling.  In our post-COVID environment Sarah believes she has an open and inclusive approach, coupled with dynamic problem solving skills to help drive our sector.

Working Group/s:  Tourism NZ, Sustainability & Funding & supports the Auckland Steering Group

Background:  Tim comes to us from Kiwi Experience, NZ’s largest youth touring network.  Bringing a growth mindset, the insight to improving customer experiences and developing new global trade relationships.  Tim is passionate about the Youth Sector & has travelled extensively whilst at Flight Centre.